Mikel Merino could join Arsenal TODAY

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 22 Aug 2024 13:03 BST
3 min read

Mikel Merino is on the brink of becoming a new Arsenal player, according to reports emerging from Spain.

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It's thought that Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has travelled to London to seal this deal and secure a veteran centre-back and a young forward for his club, per Marca.

Merino missed yesterday’s training session with Sociedad due to back pain. But he is now "living his last moments as a Real Sociedad player, with the transfer to Arsenal nearing completion."

Merino has been training as usual at Sociedad while the La Liga club and Arsenal have been negotiating his move ahead of the completion of the transfer window.

Aperribay publicly acknowledged these discussions on Monday and was spotted flying to London late Tuesday, likely to finalise Merino’s transfer for approximately €35 million.

Indeed, the transfer goes through as expected today or tomorrow and he will slotted beside Declan Rice in the centre of midfield for the Gunners.

Merino won the Copa del Rey title with Sociedad as well as five European qualifications over six successful seasons. He was crucial to Spain's Euro 2024 triumph over England during the summer.

© IMAGO - Mikel Merino helped Spain win the Euro 2024 title

Current ETV

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€15M - €25.1M

Arsenal working on Merino deal deals

Fabrizio Romano recently gave an update on the deal for Merino. The Premier League giants have been linked to the former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund man for some time, with Romano even saying that he expects the deal to take place.

The Italian reporter said on his podcast: "Keep a close eye on Arsenal because, for Mikel Merino, we know the expectation is for the deal to happen.

"It's just about working on the details of the deal. But Arsenal are very relaxed and confident to see Merino as a Gunner before the end of the summer transfer window.