The Gunners agreed personal terms with midfielder Mikel Merino last month, but the transfer saga dragged into August due to a gap in the valuation.
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After multiple rounds of negotiations, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay travelled to London earlier this week to finalise a suitable deal with the Gunners.
Romano now confirms that Mikel Arteta’s side have eventually sealed the move. The Spaniard will be signed for an initial £27.2 million with £4.2m in add-ons.
He posted on X: “Mikel Merino to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for Spanish midfielder to join Gunners.
“€32m plus €5m add-ons with favorable payment terms. Contract until 2028. Arsenal were closing in on Merino deal since end of July, Merino only wanted Arsenal.”
The Spain international has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in La Liga. His duel winning ability and aerial presence have been his main strengths.
The 28-year-old, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, has also excelled with his forward passing and made 13 goal contributions for Sociedad last season.
He recently starred for La Roja at Euro 2024. The ex-Newcastle United man was a regular off the bench, but made his mark with a dramatic winner in the quarter-final against Germany.
Merino’s strong defensive skills and creativity should add more quality to the Arsenal squad. He could be the regular number eight this term with Declan Rice playing behind him.
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