DEAL CONFIRMED: Arsenal set to complete the signing of 25yr sensational who gave Messi tough time during the last world cup, paperwork set to be done this morning as club awaits medical today

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has had encouraging talks with Mikel Merino’s agents and is ready to move forward with negotiations with his camp the next week.

The completion of Emile Smith Rowe’s trade to Fulham and the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori are the Gunners’ current priorities. According to Romano, Arsenal would turn its attention to Merino after completing those two transactions.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in Merino, although Arsenal hasn’t made a bid for him yet. The price that Real Sociedad demands will be crucial.

However, the Gunners have other names on their shortlist in case the move fails.

Due to Merino’s absence with Spain during the Euros, Arsenal’s attempt to sign him was allegedly first delayed.

Sam Dean, who has been keeping an eye on the player for some time, hinted that Arsenal would be about to increase their interest in him when the competition concluded.

Although a reported £20 million price tag has surfaced, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of that amount as the Gunners have not yet held club-to-club negotiations.

In 45 games for Real Sociedad in 2023–2024, Merino assisted on four goals and scored eight goals.

Prior to moving on to La Liga, the midfield player spent a season in the Premier League with Newcastle United, making 25 appearances.

Despite mostly playing off the bench, the midfielder was a fixture for Spain throughout Euro 2024, playing in every match as they took home the victory. In the quarterfinal matchup with Germany, he scored the game-winning goal, which had a crucial effect.