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Arsenal ‘reach verbal agreement’ to sign £25m midfielder
Arsenal are on the verge of securing the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, according to a report. The Gunners, who have been actively seeking a new midfielder this summer, have intensified their efforts to strengthen their squad in recent days.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal and Merino have reached an ‘agreement in place’ regarding personal terms, with the transfer fee being the last hurdle to overcome. Real Sociedad is aiming for a deal exceeding £25 million for Merino, who is in the final year of his contract. Verbal negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing.
Merino played a key role off the bench for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph, notably scoring the decisive goal in the final minute of extra time against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. The 28-year-old has been capped 28 times by La Roja at the senior level.
Having joined Real Sociedad from Newcastle United in 2018, Merino has made an impressive 242 appearances for the Basque club. Arsenal values his extensive experience, which has been a significant factor in their pursuit.
Initially, Arsenal showed interest in Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi, who was also linked with Manchester United and Liverpool. However, Zubimendi has remained committed to staying at Real Sociedad.
So far this summer, Arsenal has made three senior signings, including making David Raya’s loan from Brentford permanent and acquiring Riccardo Calafiori and young goalkeeper Tommy Setford.