The Gunners have already purchased Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna to bolster the squad but they are said to be willing to sign a few more new faces in this window.
Midfield department is an area that Mikel Arteta has prioritised strengthening and after being linked with a host of names over the last few weeks, the North London club have accelerated their efforts to sign Merino.
The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract but hasn’t signed an extension with La Real yet. He is reportedly keen on leaving the Spanish club to take the next step in his career and therefore, they are ready to sell him for a fee of around £25m to avoid losing him for free next year.
Arsenal have reportedly already agreed on personal terms with the midfielder and have been working on finding an agreement with La Real over the transfer fee.
Merino to Arsenal
Now, Football Insider states that Arsenal are ‘confident’ that they will be able to lure the Spaniard to the Emirates Stadium this summer despite Liverpool’s proposed move for Martin Zubimendi.
Merino is a specialist number eight and Declan Rice has been playing in this role under Arteta following his big-money move from West Ham United last summer.
Although the Englishman can play in the defensive midfield position and plays in that role for England, Arteta prefers to use Thomas Partey and Jorginho in the number six position.
So, perhaps Merino’s pursuit is the indication that the Gunners boss is considering deploying Rice in the number six role, playing the Spaniard in his natural position with Martin Odegaard in the attacking midfield position.
Merino has already showcased his abilities in La Liga over the last few years and also recently helped Spain win the European Championship. He also has previous experience of playing in the Premier League during his time with Newcastle United.
Therefore, the Real Sociedad star could be a shrewd acquisition for the North London club to reinforce their engine room.
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