Toon fans will remember the Spaniard as the highly-rated youngster that Rafa Benitez brought to Tyneside in 2017. After initially impressing, Merino suffered a back injury, with Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden soon rekindling their relationship in the Magpies engine room.
Rumours of homesickness emerged and Real Sociedad came calling the following summer. Merino has since developed into one of Europe’s top midfielders, becoming a Champions League regular and helping Spain win Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old was linked with Manchester City last summer for £50million but, with one year on his contract, is now available at a discount. Arsenal are now set to sign Merino for a reported £21million ahead of the Premier League season.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the structure of the deal is yet to be finalised but the Gunners have agreed personal terms. He will become their second signing this summer after Riccardo Calafiori joined from Bologna for £40million.
“More on Mikel Merino deal,” Romano posted on social media. “Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been in contact for weeks, formal bid part of the process after long verbal talks over deal structure.
“Similar to the Calafiori story, clubs (are) negotiating the best solution. Merino wants Arsenal. (The) contract (is) 100 per cent agreed.”
Newcastle will not benefit financially should Merino complete his move to the Emirates. The La Liga club stumped up around £10million to sign the midfielder six years ago, with no sell-on clause inserted as part of the deal.
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