Sunday Afternoon deal: Arsenal completes the signing of £40m world-class player, agreement reached last night on a long term deal as player medical booked for tomorrow

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is still available for Arsenal to sign this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Spain international and the London giants have already reached a personal agreement, and according to Romano, Arsenal is currently figuring out a midfielder payment plan.

Merino is also admired by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, but the La Liga teams are aware of Merino’s intention to sign with Arsenal during the current transfer window.

Although Merino’s contract contains a release clause at €60 million (£52 million), Arsenal hopes to acquire the 28-year-old for little over €25 million (£21 million).

It was only a matter of time after Arsenal used Declan Rice and Kai Havertz extensively in the no. 8 position the previous season. But with Merino coming next term, Rice might have greater defensive responsibilities.

Merino has primarily operated as a centre midfielder in his games. Because of his powerful aerial presence, hard ethic, and capacity to contribute to goals, he has been effective in the role.

In Europe’s top five leagues this season, the Spaniard not only made more than six recoveries per league game, but he also won the most duels. The Premier League would benefit from his defensive prowess.

According to Kieran Tierney, Merino is a world-class player who also possesses the ability to assist and score goals. He participated in 13 goals during the most recent campaign, although he might do better at Arsenal if he was surrounded by more inventive players.

Although Kai Havertz may see him as direct competition if he is chosen to lead the attack over Gabriel Jesus, the two may also play together, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

The management should find this to be a useful selection headache. If Arsenal wants to go all the way and defeat Manchester City to win the league, they need to add more quality and depth to their roster.

Prior to the start of the upcoming Premier League season, Merino would be a welcome addition to the team, which has already added talent in the form of defender Riccardo Calafiori.