Arsenal are poised to finalize the transfer of Mikel Merino after Real Sociedad accepted a bid exceeding 32 million pounds for the Spanish midfielder. Discussions over the deal for the 28-year-old have been ongoing for several weeks, with Sociedad’s president insisting that the Gunners meet their asking price.
Jokin Aperribay, Sociedad’s president, traveled to London on Wednesday for further negotiations with Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu. A resolution was reached the following day. Arsenal is set to pay 28 million pounds upfront for Mikel Merino, who had one year remaining on his contract with Sociedad, with an additional 4.2 million pounds possible in bonuses.
Merino is expected to sign a four-year contract and had been left out of Sociedad’s opening match of the season, a 2-1 loss to Real Vallecano on Sunday. He had expressed a strong desire to join Arsenal and turned down a contract renewal offer from Sociedad.
Arsenal’s Vision After Signing Mikel Merino
“Mikel Merino was straightforward about not wanting to renew and then leave. It wasn’t a surprise to us,” Aperribay commented. “Unfortunately, one of the teams we hoped wouldn’t come forward did.”
Arsenal are also in negotiations with Nottingham Forest regarding Eddie Nketiah. After a £25 million bid was turned down last week, Arsenal is likely to increase their offer for the 25-year-old striker, with a deal of around 30 million pounds anticipated. Additionally, Wolves have proposed a loan deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and Espanyol’s Joan García is being considered as his replacement if Ramsdale departs. Merino will be Arsenal’s third summer acquisition, following the permanent transfer of David Raya from Brentford and the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Reasons Merino Ended up Being in Arsenal
The source mentioned that Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has assured Nketiah about his playing time at the City Ground. Arsenal, however, have denied that any deals have been finalized when contacted. Nevertheless, renowned sources like ESPN have indicated that Mikel Arteta has strongly advocated for the signing of Mikel Merino, believing that his midfield options need reinforcement.
Mikel Merino, who joined Sociedad in July 2018, has netted 27 goals in 242 appearances for the club. The 28-year-old has just one year left on his current contract and declined Sociedad’s offer to renew. He was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, featuring in all seven matches and scoring in the final against England. Although personal terms for Nketiah are still pending, there is growing optimism that his move will be finalized in the next few days. This saga makes clear way for Mikel Merino to sign for Arsenal. The club looks forward to restoring their pride by winning the Premier League and successfully redeeming themselves after finishing 2nd last season behind Manchester City.
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