Arsenal are determined to bolster their squad by signing a central midfielder before the transfer window shuts next week.
Their primary target is Mikel Merino, a key player for Real Sociedad, but the negotiations with the Spanish club have yet to yield a favorable outcome.
Recent reports from COPE reveal that Arsenal have put forward a £30 million offer, which includes various add-ons, for Merino.
However, this bid was promptly turned down by Real Sociedad, who are standing firm on their valuation of the player.
The La Liga club is reportedly seeking more than £34 million for Merino.
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo has indicated that Real Sociedad’s president, Jokin Aperribay, has traveled to London with the intention of finalizing the deal for Merino’s move to Arsenal.
Aperribay is aiming to secure a transfer fee of approximately £34 million and is open to the idea of Arsenal paying in installments.
Nevertheless, Arsenal has yet to agree to this payment structure, leaving the deal in a state of uncertainty.
Despite this, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the negotiations, with both parties seemingly keen on reaching an agreement.
The pursuit of Mikel Merino by Arsenal has been ongoing for over a month, yet a resolution has not been reached.
Merino, who is regarded as a “world-class” midfielder, is reportedly eager to join the North London club.
He has already agreed to personal terms with Arsenal and has turned down an offer from Atletico Madrid to facilitate the move.
With only a year left on his current contract, Arsenal may have initially believed that they could secure Merino for a lower fee, despite the player having a £56 million release clause.
However, Real Sociedad, well aware of Merino’s importance to their squad over the last six years, is demanding a higher fee, making it clear that they are not willing to part with him for a bargain price.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal are expected to intensify their efforts to finalize Merino’s transfer, particularly with Aperribay in London to oversee the negotiations.
Should they succeed, Arsenal would likely shift their attention to bolstering their attack, potentially targeting a new forward before the window closes.
This move could become even more crucial if Eddie Nketiah were to depart, as it would leave Arsenal in need of additional firepower upfront.
In conclusion, while Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino has been protracted and complex, the club remains hopeful of securing his signature before the transfer window closes.
With both parties still engaged in talks and the player keen on the move, a resolution may soon be within reach, allowing Arsenal to focus on strengthening other areas of their squad ahead of the new season.