Arsenal target Mikel Merino is reportedly close to completing a move to the Emirates Stadium. The 28-year-old, who won the Euros this summer with Spain, has been Mikel Arteta’s top priority for strengthening the midfield. Real Sociedad have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal, with the transfer fee expected to be around €30 million.
Merino to meet agent straight away after vacation
Recent updates indicate that Merino has just finished a family vacation, during which he celebrated a relative’s 93rd birthday. The midfielder is now said to be returning to meet with his agent straight away to finalize the details of his impending move to Arsenal. Merino hopes to fly to London as soon as possible to complete the transfer.
Merino was granted an extended holiday due to his involvement in the Euros, which likely slowed down negotiations. However, now that he is back, the deal is expected to progress quickly, with an agreement likely to be reached within the next week.
Mikel Merino has finished up his family holiday celebrating a 93rd Birthday he is heading “home ” straight into an agent meeting and what he hopes is his release to fly to London. #arsenalfanaticsnews #MikelMerino pic.twitter.com/QrOICAMfMD
— Arteta’s Red Army #ArsenalFanaticsNews (@Arsenal23Wenger) August 4, 2024
An academy graduate of Osasuna, Merino made 63 appearances for their senior team in the Segunda Division before brief stints at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. In 2018, he signed permanently with Real Sociedad, where he has since made 241 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 26 assists.
A goal scoring midfielder
Merino’s playing style fits the profile Arteta desires in his midfielders. The Spaniard is a goal-scoring midfielder known for making incisive runs into the opposition’s box. He averages 2.89 touches in the opposition box per game, placing him in the 93rd percentile among midfielders. His forward runs would complement Martin Ødegaard’s playmaking abilities, adding a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
If the deal goes through, Merino will be Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of defender Riccardo Calafiori last week. With the departures of Emile Smith Rowe and Albert Sambi Lokonga, Merino will bring much-needed depth and quality to Arsenal’s midfield as they aim for silverware this season. Arteta is now expected to turn his attention to bolstering the team’s attacking options.
