Mikel Merino to Arsenal? Romano reveals the latest state of play

Cameron Smith

9 Aug 2024 10:00 BST
3 min read

Arsenal remain in talks to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, although the deal hasn’t been completed.

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The Spain international has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, but the move has not yet been finalised.

However, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Merino is still eager to join Arsenal, while Mikel Arteta’s side are currently working on the final payment terms with Real Sociedad.

The transfer expert posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Arsenal remain in active talks to complete Mikel Merino deal, more steps to follow.

“Merino has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, clubs keep working on deal structure/payment terms; fee over €25 million.

“Atletico and Barca, already informed of Merino’s desire to join Arsenal.”

Merino made 32 LaLiga appearances for Real Sociedad last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists, while he featured for Spain during their triumphant 2024 European Championship campaign.

Arteta is a huge admirer of his countryman and is pushing to complete a deal before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August.

If Merino does join Arsenal this summer, he is expected to slot into a central midfield role next to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira are also midfield options available to Arteta, although Merino could become a starter upon his potential arrival in north London.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino to Arsenal?

Merino would become Arsenal’s third permanent signing of the summer window following the arrivals of David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

Raya spent last season on loan at Arsenal and the Gunners have made his move permanent for €31.9m, while Calafiori has joined for €45m after a mightily impressive Euro 2024 tournament.

Arteta’s side will kick off their 2024-25 Premier League season with a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 17 August.