Breaking News: The £21.5 million Arsenal transfer target came out early this morning to tell the press that he has turned down the Arsenal deal because of some reason …

Real Sociedad is making a fervent effort to retain Mikel Merino, nevertheless, he has communicated his desire to join Arsenal and a deal is imminent.

According to reports from Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Mikel Merino has informed the president of Real Sociedad, Jokin Aperribay, of his desire to join Arsenal. However, despite this, the club is making a determined attempt to secure the midfielder’s commitment to a new deal.

Sociedad is prepared to provide Merino and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi with the highest salaries among their squad members. However, there is a prevailing belief that it is too late and that the issue at hand is not a matter of financial compensation.

It seems likely that Merino’s destiny will be determined in the coming days. Although the Zubimendi tale may have a longer duration, it might possibly be concluded in the near future.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s report on Thursday, Arsenal is still engaged in ongoing discussions to finalize the Merino deal. The player has already reached an agreement on personal matters.

As per Romano, the clubs were still in the process of finalising the arrangement’s framework and the methods of payment for a price above €25m (£21.5m).

Competing suitors Both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have been notified of Merino’s intention to join Arsenal, leaving the Gunners as the sole contenders in the competition.

According to football source Team News and Ticks, the Merino deal will be completed next week.

Arsenal had been said to be considering other options instead of Merino, and his absence from Real Sociedad’s pre-season friendly was attributed to his fitness rather than an immediate trade.

However, the majority of sources now concur that the transfer is unavoidable, and it is only a question of when it will be completed.