Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal are getting closer to their third signing of this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners have just finished their pre-season tour of the United States, and they are expected to be back in London very soon.
The Premier League runners-up have two games coming up in the Emirates Cup against Bayer Leverkusen and Olympique Lyon, but all eyes will be on transfers.
David Raya’s loan has been turned into a permanent deal, while Riccardo Calafiori has been signed from Bologna. Now, talks are underway to complete Arsenal’s third signing of the summer.
Fabrizio Romano shares Mikel Merino to Arsenal update
Mikel Merino has been a wanted man in this window.
The Real Sociedad midfielder has entered the final year of his contract, and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both been linked with a move to sign him.
However, Mikel Arteta has been pushing too, with reports claiming that Merino has even agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
Now, it looks like the deal is entering advanced stages.
Romano has revealed that after Merino gave the green light to Arsenal, the Gunners have started official talks with Real Sociedad to sign their star midfielder.
The journalist has claimed that the two sides are verbally discussing a package that will likely be in excess of €30 million (£25m) including bonuses.
Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel: “The news of the day is that Arsenal are close to signing Mikel Merino. Agreement (reached) with the player and negotiations are now underway between Arsenal and Real Sociedad.
“Real Sociedad also prefer to sell the player abroad – so, not in Spain, in England would be better. The player is tempted by working under Mikel Arteta. Now, they need to finalise the agreement.
“At the moment, everything is verbal, it’s a verbal conversation between Arsenal and Real Sociedad, waiting to make it formal. So, we are not saying that is happening tonight and then tomorrow there will be a medical test – we are not at that stage.
“But, we are saying that Arsenal are really getting closer to reaching an agreement for a package worth more than €30 million for Mikel Merino, and he would be a really important signing for Arsenal. It’s not done yet, but it is in progress and is at important stages.”
Merino would help one Arsenal player explode
Arsenal have really missed Granit Xhaka since he left them for Bayer Leverkusen.
The Swiss international was a really important part of Arteta’s system at the Emirates, and his departure upset the balance on the left side of Arsenal’s team.
Merino could finally replace Xhaka at Arsenal, and the Spain international could help one player reach new heights – Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian had an underwhelming campaign in 2023/24, and many feel that was because he didn’t have the support that Xhaka used to provide.
In the Leverkusen star’s final year at Arsenal, Martinelli scored 15 goals in the Premier League, which is a fantastic return for a wide player.
We expect the Arsenal number 11 to have a similarly productive 2024/25 season if Merino joins the club.
