Merino, who impressed for Spain at Euro 2024 earlier this summer, is keen to make the switch to the Gunners and work with Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have made Merino their priority midfield target and Edu was in Spain last week to try and wrap up their third senior signing of the summer.
Now, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners are edging ever closer to securing the services of the former Newcastle midfielder. It's reported that Merino is 'finalising his transfer' to Arsenal and there is confidence that the transfer can be wrapped up in the coming days.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil said: "Mikel Merino is not in the squad because I decided so. Mikel Merino is not in the squad because I decided so." It's looking like Merino has now played his last game for the club, having made 242 appearances since arriving in 2018.
David Raya became the club's first senior addition last month after he made his loan move permanent in a £27million deal from Brentford, before Riccardo Calafiori arrived for £42m from Bologna. The arrival of Merino is set to take Arsenal's summer spending to just shy of £100m, and more could arrive before the end of the window.
Merino started his career at Osasuna and progressed through the ranks at the La Liga outfit before signing for Borussia Dortmund on a five-year deal in July 2016. However, he spent just one season at the German club and then moved to the Premier League with Newcastle the following summer.
Despite establishing himself as a fans' favourite for his eye-catching performances, Merino returned to Spain after making just 25 appearances for Newcastle. He joined Sociedad and has been there ever since. He helped them win the Copa del Rey in 2019/20 and competed in the Champions League last season.
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