Arsenal reach ‘agreement in principle’ with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino

Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising a deal with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino in the summer transfer window.

Merino has emerged as Arsenal’s top target following their recent signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Additionally, goalkeeper David Raya has joined the Gunners on a permanent transfer after a successful loan spell last summer.

After several days of negotiations, Arsenal and Sociedad have reportedly reached an agreement, with the Gunners set to pay £29.8 million for the Euro 2024 winner.

The deal is expected to be completed over the weekend, according to Radio Marca Donostia via Sport Witness.

Mikel Merino is currently training with Sociedad while his future is being resolved, but he will not feature in Sociedad’s opening La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

The midfielder is in the final year of his contract in San Sebastián, which has allowed Arsenal to negotiate a fee below his release clause.

Merino has expressed a desire to move on, leading to talks conducted by Arsenal sporting director Edu.

The Spain international has been with Sociedad for six years, winning the Copa del Rey in 2020.

Earlier this summer, Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe expressed a wish for Merino to stay.

However, he acknowledged that the club would not obstruct the player’s desire for a move.

Olabe said: “We would love for him to continue with us. It’s not a question of money.

“It’s a matter of life and that’s where everything counts.

“If that were the case [it was about money], I told you that it is impossible.

“I don’t think Mikel thought about leaving. That wait is not based on ‘I want to leave’.

“We may come to the conclusion that we prefer performance over money at the time.

“There are several desires at play.

“The club’s position is not to sell.

“But we are not a club in which we do not speculate in this game of performance.

“And that strengthens us when we go into the market.

“Throughout the summer things happen that don’t depend on you.

“Over time, players have left the club and at that moment it is who stays and how we deal with it.

“And who is going to come, in the meantime we try to make all our kids see that La Real want to grow and there are many things still to achieve.”

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