Breaking news ‘World-class’ player Mikel Merino has been acquired by Arsenal for £25.2m in an upfront payment.

Arsenal is currently in the process of allocating a substantial sum of money to secure a primary transfer target.

In the contemporary era, transfer agreements are typically structured as instalments. For instance, clubs may pay a £30m fee over a ten-year period at a rate of £3 million every 12 months.

Arsenal is now prepared to pay the full asking price upfront in order to secure Mikel Arteta as a target.

Arsenal is prepared to pay the full asking price for Mikel Merino.
Arsenal, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, are prepared to pay Real Sociedad the entire €30 million (£25.2 million) asking price for Mikel Merino.

Real Sociedad, who are resigned to losing Merino after he rejected a new contract, are believed to find this attractive. Arsenal are also considered the favourites, as Barcelona can only afford the deal in staggered installments, according to the Spanish news outlet.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spain international has not yet made a decision regarding his next club. However, Arsenal is the preferable destination for Real Sociedad due to financial considerations.

It follows a separate report by Mundo Deportivo that Arsenal has extended Merino a life-changing contract offer in an effort to entice him to the Emirates Stadium.

Kieran Tierney has referred to the Real Sociedad No.8 as a “world-class footballer.” Last season, he appeared in 45 matches across all competitions, netting eight goals and assisting five others.

Merino also scored a 119th-minute victor at UEFA Euro 2024 to eliminate Germany in the quarter-finals, and Spain ultimately won the trophy.

The gunners are in control.
Certainly, Arsenal still requires Merino’s approval; however, the Gunners are currently in a dominant position, surpassing Barcelona.

Barcelona is reportedly intent on signing Nico Williams and is willing to allocate their entire budget to the Athletic Bilbao No. 11 this summer.

Therefore, it appears that Arsenal may be able to expedite the process of this agreement if they are able to persuade Merino to join. Real Sociedad is delighted to learn that Arsenal intends to pay the £25.2m asking price in advance.