BREAKING NEWS NOW: Big Mikel Merino and Arsenal twist this evening

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old is viewed as a priority target by boss Mikel Arteta, who has already been in touch with the Euro 2024 winner.

The Gunners' sporting director, Edu, has also been in Spain this week and is optimistic a deal can be reached for a fee in the region of €30m (£25m).

Arsenal consider this to be a bargain and they are not put off by Merino's age. In fact, Arteta has made it clear to Edu he prefers to go for a more experienced name. It was the same when Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea.