OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal complete the signing of £60m superstar as Martin Ødegaard spotted this morning showing Him round the Old Trafford – Player to sign five year deal with the club today

Officially, Arsenal has completed the acquisition of a £60 million superstar, who was seen touring Old Trafford this morning by Martin Ødegaard. The player will sign a five-year contract with the team today.

Real Sociedad player Mikel Merino is apparently the target of an official bid from Arsenal.

Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna has already been signed by the Gunners in a deal estimated to be worth £42 million.

However, they have their sights set on Merino and are also seeking to bolster their midfield.

The Premier League’s biggest teams and the 28-year-old have already agreed on personal terms, but they still haven’t worked out a transfer fee with Sociedad.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa claims that Arsenal is ready to submit a formal proposal for Merino shortly.

Given that Mikel Arteta’s current deal expires in 2025, his representatives will be attempting to negotiate a significantly lower sum. The Spaniard’s current contract contains a £55 million release clause.

According to reports, Sociedad wants the Gunners to match Atletico Madrid’s £30 million offer from earlier in the summer, but the English team is thought to be aiming even lower.

The North Londoners, who will be vying with Manchester City for the Premier League crown once more, would do well to get Merino.

He can play as a box-to-box midfielder but primarily plays in central midfield at six feet two inches.

With 242 appearances in all competitions for the Basque team, the Spain international has contributed 30 assists and 27 goals.

Merino has also played in the Premier League, having previously represented Newcastle United.

Supporters of Arsenal will be hoping to recruit the 28-year-old as quickly as possible.