The Gunners are eyeing a new central midfielder this summer and they have identified Mikel Merino as their priority target.
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The Real Sociedad star has already finalised personal terms to join the club and Arsenal now need to find a transfer agreement.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa claim that Arsenal and Merino’s entourage are ‘nervous’ after Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi.
Both are ‘afraid’ that Sociedad could be reluctant to lose two midfielders this month and could stop one of them from leaving.
With this in mind, Arsenal will formalise a firm offer to sign Merino in the next few days.
Merino has a £56 million release in his contract expiring next summer, but his entourage hope Sociedad won’t demand over £21m.
Arsenal need to push through Merino deal soon
The Gunners have made just one outfield signing in Riccardo Calafiori this summer, but there could be more activity before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Merino has already given the green light for a transfer and Arsenal need to make a formal bid before Sociedad contemplate the prospect of keeping the Spaniard.
At the moment, they are aiming to convince Zubimendi to sign a new long-term deal amid Liverpool’s interest. If he were to decline and join the Reds, Sociedad could be reluctant to lose Merino.
Arsenal can avoid the situation by signing Merino in advance. The 28-year-old, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, would be a solid addition for the number eight position.
The Spaniard won a stunning 10.2 duels per game last term alongside 2.4 tackles and 6.4 recoveries. He also made an impressive 13 goal contributions starting from the centre of the park.
He may not be a regular starter for the Gunners, but could be deployed in midfield when the club require more defensive assurance. Arsenal need to sign him before the new season starts.
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