Arsenal will pay Real Sociedad an initial €33.5m (£28.43m) for midfielder Mikel Merino; the 28-year-old midfielder has agreed with terms on a four-year contract at the Emirates; the transfer will be finalized subject to a medical.
Fabrizio Romano revealed this on his X handle: “Similar to the Riccardo Calafiori story, Mikel Arteta has been crucial also for Merino’s move to Arsenal.”
“Positive talks with the player, Merino had at least two more proposals but he’s been clear: only #AFC.
“He’s set to travel for medical, signing until 2028 + option,” Romanio concluded.
Merino has been a stalwart for Sociedad throughout the years ever since his move from Newcastle United back in 2018, notching 190 appearances for the club in La Liga with 20 goals to boot.
His solid performances in the Champions League and on the international scene for Spain have brought about real interest from Europe's biggest clubs. Arsenal appear to have won the race to sign him, with Plettenberg stating that a total agreement has been reached between the two clubs.
So far this window Arsenal have only added Riccardo Calafiori to their senior side, with David Raya seeing his loan from Brentford become permanent as expected.
Merino will bolster Arterta's options centrally after Emile Smith Rowe was sold to Fulham.
Merino's role will be to work in tandem with Declan Rice in midfield, and with the Englishman having made a name for himself going forward into the final third, Merino will step in and provide the backbone needed to keep the Gunners on the front foot.
Having excelled in a midfield role for Sociedad and Spain over the past half-decade, Merino will be the perfect foil for Rice and allow Arsenal side to blossom if they are to compete for Premier League trophies and continental greatness.
