Arsenal are urgently looking to reach an agreement for Merino in light of Liverpool attempting to prise teammate Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad, according to GMS sources, and there is an increasing expectation that a formal offer will be lodged by the capital club in the coming days.
Despite preparing for the upcoming campaign in the wake of winning Euro 2024 with Spain, the defensive midfielder has been valued at the modest sum of up to £25million by his current employers due to entering the final 12 months of his contract increasing fears of him leaving as a free agent.
GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal have been moving forward with their proposed move for Merino since the end of last week, with discussions due to continue with Real Sociedad on Thursday, and Arteta is convinced that his qualities on the ball will compliment Rice after prioritising making improvements in front of the backline.
