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Arsenal 'one step away' from signing Mikel Merino
- Arsenal closing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino
- Merino has already agreed personal terms with Gunners ahead of potential £25m switch
- Mikel Arteta pushing the move
Arsenal are edging closer to agreeing a deal with Real Sociedad for the services of midfielder Mikel Merino.
Having completed the signing of Riccardo Calafiori earlier this week, Arsenal's attentions have shifted to the middle of the park with Mikel Arteta identifying Merino as a key target.
The Sociedad midfielder has been one of La Liga's most consistent midfield operators since joining the club following an ill-fated spell at Newcastle in 2018. Merino was part of Spain's Euro 2024-winning squad, memorably scoring a late header during their quarter-final triumph over Germany.
If Arsenal are to wrap up this deal, which is expected, Merino will become the club's third signing of the window after David Raya and Calafiori.
Mikel Merino closing in on Arsenal move
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are closing in on Mikel Merino deal as verbal agreement is now getting closer!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024
Agreement in place on personal terms as Merino wants the move.
Verbal discussions with Real Sociedad for package in excess of €30m, talks on to get the deal done.@MatteMoretto 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/3IHBykH9J4
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal have sent a proposal in the region of £25m to Sociedad for Merino. With the player's contract expiring next summer and Sociedad demanding a fee of this ilk, the two clubs aren't set to hassle in negotiations.
Merino is also reportedly keen on the move amid interest from Barcelona. There was also the possibility of the 28-year-old extending his deal in San Sebastian, but a new challenge now beckons. The midfielder has already reached an agreement with the Gunners over personal terms.
Arteta is said to be pushing this move, and it's understandable as to why the Arsenal boss is intent on acquiring Merino. While perhaps not the most inspiring profile, the Spanish midfielder is tall, strong, technically clean, and capable of performing several midfield roles. He's monstrous in duels, and sneaky good in the air, too.
Mikel Merino is going to have that Ben White effect where people don’t get it then quickly becomes a fan favourite. Duel winning machine and box crasher, that’s Barclays heritage. pic.twitter.com/coIOygRRht
— ∞ (@TheFalseNein) July 31, 2024
Merino won't be physically overwhelmed in the Premier League, that's for sure, and his profile suggests he may be capable of playing the role Granit Xhaka starred in during the 2022/23 campaign.
Given the fee at which he's available for, this is an excellent market opportunity for the Gunners in a position of need. We can only hope that Arteta and Edu have something else up their sleeves when it comes to bolstering the frontline. If Arsenal are to usurp Manchester City in the Premier League next season, you feel as if another addition after Merino has to be made.
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