'Close': Fabrizio Romano has shared some really exciting transfer news for Arsenal fans

“At the moment, everything is verbal, it’s a verbal conversation between Arsenal and Real Sociedad, waiting to make it formal. So, we are not saying that is happening tonight and then tomorrow there will be a medical test – we are not at that stage.

“But, we are saying that Arsenal are really getting closer to reaching an agreement for a package worth more than €30 million for Mikel Merino, and he would be a really important signing for Arsenal. It’s not done yet, but it is in progress and is at important stages.”

Merino would help one Arsenal player explode

Arsenal have really missed Granit Xhaka since he left them for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Swiss international was a really important part of Arteta’s system at the Emirates, and his departure upset the balance on the left side of Arsenal’s team.

Merino could finally replace Xhaka at Arsenal, and the Spain international could help one player reach new heights – Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian had an underwhelming campaign in 2023/24, and many feel that was because he didn’t have the support that Xhaka used to provide.

In the Leverkusen star’s final year at Arsenal, Martinelli scored 15 goals in the Premier League, which is a fantastic return for a wide player.

We expect the Arsenal number 11 to have a similarly productive 2024/25 season if Merino joins the club.