Arsenal are close to reaching a verbal agreement with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino with personal terms already agreed in the background.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are inching closer to signing Mikel Merino, with the midfielder’s personal terms already in place. The Gunners and Real Sociedad could soon have a verbal agreement in place, with a fee in excess of €30 million mooted.
Arsenal closing in on Mikel Merino
Mikel Arteta might be getting very close to bringing in the left-sided midfielder he so clearly craves, as Arsenal are closing in on their primary target. Improving the left-hand side of the pitch was a priority for the Gunners, who have already signed Riccardo Calafiori and are now moving with pace to bring in their next transfer target.
Arsenal had stepped up their chase for Mikel Merino and stayed focused on their target despite reports suggesting Barcelona were also in the hunt. With a year left on the 28-year-old deal at Real Sociedad, the club were willing to sanction a sale if he refused to sign a new contract, as has been the case for a long time, as confirmed by the club’s president in a recent report.
Merino had offers from Arsenal and probably other clubs. Still, as per Fabrizio Romano, he only wants to join the North Londoners and begin a new chapter in his career. The Gunners have an agreement on personal terms in place, with the two clubs on the brink of a verbal agreement over a deal worth more than €30 million.
Arsenal also had Fabian Ruiz on their radar if they failed in the chase for Merino, although the Real Sociedad always felt like Arteta’s primary target. The €30 million-rated Euro 2024 winner also seems like a perfect addition for the money involved, as he would be seen as a readymade addition to their squad and fill an area that had a void since the departure of Granit Xhaka last summer.
What next for Arsenal?
Arsenal are likely to continue focusing on bringing one or two more players once the Merino deal concludes. Their approach has been concerted in this window, and they have prioritised one player at a time rather than conducting multiple transfers. Arteta might continue to focus on strengthening the left-hand side, with a winger also considered important.
Despite various opinions stating they need a Bukayo Saka backup or a new prolific striker, Arteta might bring a wide forward who is versatile enough to challenge both Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Meanwhile, a goalkeeper might also come in should Aaron Ramsdale leave for a new challenge, as Arsenal does have their hands complete with signings and departures.
