EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal rushing to resolve Smith Rowe hitch to complete Merino deal

Updated: 29 Jul 2024 22:06 BST
3 min read

Emile Smith Rowe, Mikel Merino, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal are seeking to iron out a problem in Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham, which will be required to allow Mikel Merino to join Mikel Arteta’s side, FootballTransfers has learned.

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With a deal for Riccardo Calafiori in the pipeline, Arsenal are seeking to complete a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Merino as their second major signing of the summer.

In order for the Spain star to arrive at the Emirates, Smith Rowe first needs to leave.

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Current ETV

ETV Range

€9.1M - €15.1M

Current ETV

ETV Range

€15.9M - €26.5M

Arsenal are set to sell the 24-year-old creative midfielder in a club-record deal, but FootballTransfers has learned there is a hiccup in the negotiations.

Although Smith Rowe is closer than ever to leaving the Gunners, there is a complication.

Fulham are offering a transfer package worth £35 million for the midfield, with £27m of this upfront and a further £8m in add-ons.

However, Arsenal believe that the bonus payment conditions are too ambitious and unlikely to be achieved soon.

As such, discussions are ongoing, but the Gunners are working to ensure the problem is resolved as rapidly as possible.

© IMAGO - Mikel Merino in action for Spain at Euro 2024

Real Sociedad clinging on to Merino

Real Sociedad are reticent to make a quick sale for Merino, FootballTransfers has learned. Arsenal, on the other hand, are seeking to complete a deal rapidly. This is also the preference of the player, who has his heart set on joining the Emirates outfit.

The Spanish side are hoping that interest from other clubs manifests itself to potentially increase the transfer fee they receive for the 28-year-old.

Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Merino. While there are other teams hovering, none of these outfits have reached such an advanced stage of the transfer.

The Gunners, then, are still firmly in the driving seat for the Euro 2024 star but there are still hurdles to overcome before a transfer is completed.

Read more about: La Liga, Premier League, Arsenal, Fulham, Emile Smith Rowe, Mikel Merino