Arsenal transfer news: Gunners ‘close’ to agreeing deal for Euro 2024 winner
Arsenal are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino from La Liga side Real Sociedad.
Arsenal have reportedly edged closer to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
The Gunners have made two summer additions this summer, including the move to convert David Raya’s loan deal into a permanent transfer.
Arsenal have also strengthened their backline with the signature of Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who arrived from Bologna in a £42m move.
The North London club have now turned their focus to their engine room and have been working to secure a deal for Real Sociedad’s Merino.
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Arsenal close in on Merino deal
Arsenal have been in negotiations for a number of weeks and The Mirror are now reporting that they are close to securing Merino’s signature.
The report claims that Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has flown to London to negotiate the details of Merino’s proposed switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The Basque side are looking to secure £30m plus add-ons for a player who has entered the final year of his contract.
Merino, who joined Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in 2018, has made it clear that he wants to complete a move to Mikel Arteta’s side before the summer transfer deadline.
With talks at an advanced stage, Merino was left out of Real Sociedad’s defeat to Rayo Vallecano and is currently training away from his teammates.
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What will Merino’s role be at Arsenal?
If everything goes according to plan, the Euro 2024 winner will become Arsenal’s third addition of the summer transfer window.
Merino will be a strong contender to start in a midfield three alongside England international Declan Rice and his former Real Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard.
The Spaniard’s arrival would likely knock Jorginho and Thomas Partey down the pecking order and may lead to further speculation about the latter’s future.
Partey has been linked with a move away this summer, but a start in Saturday’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers suggests he could still be a part of Arteta’s plans for the season.
Depending on the progress of Merino’s proposed move, Partey could start again when the Gunners travel to Villa Park for Saturday’s Premier League clash against an Aston Villa side coached by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
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