Arsenal have been in talks to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, and there has now been a major development in the potential deal.
Merino has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, having rejected interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The Euro 2024 winner is keen on a return to the Premier League, and Merino is excited about playing under Mikel Arteta.
Negotiations appeared slow in recent days, with Arsenal seeing an offer rejected as it fell below Real Sociedad’s valuation of around £30m for the player.
Merino is in the final year of his contract at La Real, and having rejected fresh terms, they are willing to sanction his exit.
Arsenal will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves, and the only new signing they will have by that point is Riccardo Calafiori. However, Merino could be set to follow soon.
Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates victory after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berli…
Arsenal could agree Mikel Merino transfer this weekend
It has been reported by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo that Arsenal and Real Sociedad are close to agreeing a deal for around £30m in fixed and variable fees.
“If nothing is twisted, everything will be closed this weekend,” the report added.
It is claimed that a deal could be agreed this weekend, and that Merino will be left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their opening game of the La Liga season, at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
This will allow him the chance to say his goodbyes to the club he has been at since 2017 before he heads to the Emirates, and if all goes well, he could be in the squad for Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa next week.
Mikel Merino will not get Emirates unveiling if Arsenal move is completed
Even if a deal is somehow agreed before Arsenal face Wolves in the opening game of the Premier League season, Merino will not be at the Emirates to be welcomed to the club.
Three years ago, when Martin Odegaard signed permanently after his loan spell, his deal was completed before Arsenal’s opening home game against Chelsea, but not in time for him to be in the squad.
However, Odegaard did appear on the pitch for a welcome back before the game kicked off, and fans may have anticipated similar for Merino. However, he will still be in San Sebastian on Sunday, and if the deal goes ahead, the first time Arsenal fans will see him will likely be at Villa Park next week.
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