According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish news outlet, Real Sociedad’s midfielder Mikel Merino is on the verge of finalizing a transfer to Arsenal during this summer’s transfer window.
The deal appears to be progressing swiftly, as Arsenal has already reached an agreement on personal terms with the Spanish international earlier this month.
Currently, the focus is on negotiating with Real Sociedad to determine the transfer fee and the structure of the payment.
While Merino’s current contract with Sociedad includes a release clause set at a substantial £56 million, Arsenal is aiming to secure the player for a significantly lower sum.
Reports suggest that the North London club is targeting a deal worth around £30 million, far below the release clause value.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Mundo Deportivo has now reported that Merino’s move to Arsenal is nearly complete.
This speculation has been fueled by his absence from Real Sociedad’s squad during their La Liga season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, which many interpret as a strong indication of his impending departure.
The 28-year-old midfielder is poised to become Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, following the recent arrivals of goalkeeper David Raya, who has joined on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, and Riccardo Calafiori, a promising addition to the squad.
The signing of Merino has been highly anticipated, with discussions surrounding his potential move circulating for several weeks.
Now, it seems that Arsenal is on the cusp of sealing the deal, with Merino expected to bring significant value to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Merino is known for his impressive defensive skills, which he combines with an ability to contribute to both goalscoring and playmaking efforts.
His versatility in midfield is likely one of the key reasons Arsenal has pursued him so diligently.
In the previous season, Merino stood out as one of the most dominant players in Europe’s top five leagues, particularly in winning duels.
His prowess in tackling, ball recovery, and defensive clearances further enhance his reputation as a formidable midfielder.
Additionally, his decision-making in the final third of the pitch is another critical asset that he brings to the table, making him a well-rounded player capable of impacting various phases of the game.
Moreover, Merino’s strong aerial ability makes him a threat from set-pieces, where his height and timing allow him to score crucial goals.
His knack for making late runs into the box further increases his potential to contribute offensively, providing Arsenal with an additional dimension in attack.
The arrival of Merino is likely to have a significant impact on Arsenal’s starting lineup, particularly in the midfield area.
In Arsenal’s opening Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Thomas Partey had a somewhat inconsistent performance, particularly in the defensive midfield role.
This has led to speculation that with Merino’s arrival, Mikel Arteta might consider adjusting his midfield configuration.
One possibility is that Declan Rice, who also joined Arsenal this summer in a high-profile transfer, could be shifted into the holding midfield position, allowing Merino to occupy a more central role.
Such a tactical adjustment could prove beneficial for Arsenal, as it would potentially enhance their control in the midfield, improving both their defensive solidity and their ability to build attacks from deeper positions.
Merino’s presence would not only bolster the team’s defensive capabilities but also provide a reliable link between defense and attack, facilitating smoother transitions and more cohesive gameplay.
