Merino takes matters into his own hands as Arsenal get transfer timeline

Robin Bairner

• 16 Aug 2024 08:29 BST
• 2 min read

Mikel Merino has given Arsenal a transfer boost as they continue to try to prise the Spain international midfielder away from LaLiga side Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have been chasing the 28-year-old for several weeks, but while personal terms have been agreed with the player, the Gunners have been left frustrated in their attempts to negotiate a transfer fee with La Real.

The Gunners offered only €30 million, according to El Desmarque, with Real Sociedad targeting something in the region of €40m. Atletico Madrid had previously made a bid of €35m. Furthermore, the structure of the deal was not to the Spaniards’ liking. Arsenal reportedly want to offer the money in three instalments whereas Sociedad want a larger upfront payment.

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Although Merino’s contract expires next year, the Basque side are digging their heels in.

Talks are continuing, and while it appears there is confidence a deal will get done, Merino is poised to sit out Real Sociedad’s first LaLiga match of the season against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Previously, it had been expected that head coach Imanol Alguacil, who will not talk to the press until Saturday, would be able to count on one of his key men.

El Desmarque reports: “Unfortunately, everything points to the fact that Merino will not be in the lineup against Rayo.”

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Merino to Arsenal done by Sunday

For Arsenal, there are more positive signs coming from Spain, where local reports indicate that it is “quite likely that the situation will be resolved before the weekend’s match”.

While a deal is likely, it is unclear at what price point Merino will move to Arsenal at.

The midfielder, who played 45 times for Real Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and creating five more, has a release clause worth €60m in his contract, though it is stated that “figure is not going to be reached at any time”.