Mikel Arteta’s full focus is on the clash at the Emirates, but work is going on behind the scenes to complete a new signing.
Edu Gaspar has been a busy man all summer, and after completing deals for David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori earlier in the window, he is now closing in on another signing for Arsenal.
Here’s what Fabrizio Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal and Real Sociedad agree fee for Mikel Merino
The Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer saga has been a long one.
The Gunners have been chasing the talented Spanish midfielder since before the Euros, and they have been in talks to get a deal over the line for a few weeks now.
Real Sociedad rejected Arsenal’s first bid for Merino recently, but everyone knew that the North Londoners would go back in with another offer.
Now, it looks like they have found a breakthrough.
Romano has revealed that Arsenal and Real Sociedad have a basic agreement over the transfer fee for the ‘world-class‘ Merino, which is great news for the fans.
However, the two clubs are still in talks over the payment structure and add-ons, which is why the deal is not completely done yet.
That could change in the coming hours.
Romano said: “Now, the two clubs have an agreement on the fee because the fee they have in mind, Arsenal and Real Sociedad, is potentially okay.
“It’s how to structure this fee – so in terms of add-ons, in terms of payment terms – so there is still some work to do on the structure of the deal. But, the fee they have in mind, Real Sociedad and Arsenal, is quite okay.
“So, the deal is progressing well. Arsenal are working on it, it could be an important weekend to advance for Merino. Let’s follow the situation hour by hour.”
Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at...
Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images
Merino will finally replace one former Arsenal star
Arsenal were always expected to sign a new midfielder this summer
The Gunners are short of options in the middle of the park following the departures of Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny, and they need reinforcements there.
Merino is a great option for Arteta. The Spaniard is excellent on the ball, fantastic in duels, and as he showed at the Euros, he can chip in with goals too.
To add to that, Merino will finally replace Granit Xhaka at Arsenal – a player who they have missed since his departure to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
Xhaka received a standing ovation when he returned for the Emirates Cup earlier in August. If Merino arrives, we expect an even bigger roar from the Emirates faithful.
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