According to reports, Arsenal are ‘one step away’ from signing Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, who is ‘determined’ to leave the La Liga outfit.
So far, Arsenal have completed one summer signing as Spain international David Raya’s move from Brentford permanent for around £27m.
The Premier League giants are currently working to close the signing of Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, while they could also sign a new centre-midfielder, winger and striker this summer.
They have been heavily linked with Merino as the midfielder has rebuilt his career with Real Sociedad after departing Newcastle United in 2018.
The 28-year-old’s performances in La Liga saw him become a regular for Spain and he helped La Roja win Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are known to be interested in Merino, who has just entered the final year of his contract. He is understood to be valued at around £25m.
However, according to a report in Spain, the two La Liga giants are set to miss out on Merino as Arsenal are ‘one step away’ from signing him.
This is said to come as the Merino saga has ‘taken an unexpected turn’, with him ‘determined to leave San Sebastian this summer after failing to reach an agreement to renew his contract’.
