Arsenal’s pursuit of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is reportedly nearing a successful conclusion, with sources indicating that the player has agreed to personal terms with the Gunners.
This development comes amid growing speculation surrounding Merino’s future at Real Sociedad, with the club actively seeking a replacement.
![Merino agrees Arsenal deal after rejecting Barcelona 1 Spain's midfielder #06 Mikel Merino celebrates after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/06/fbl-euro-2024-match03-esp-cro-scaled-e1719135917141.jpg)
Merino, a key player for Real Sociedad and a recent European Championship winner with Spain, has garnered significant interest in this transfer window. Spanish reports suggest that he had offers from both Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona in LaLiga, but neither proposal matched what he was looking for. Atletico Madrid’s sporting project did not appeal to him, while Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints hindered their pursuit.
Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, have now emerged as the clear frontrunners for Merino’s signature. Arteta reportedly views the 28-year-old midfielder as a crucial addition to his squad, aiming to strengthen the team’s midfield options for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
While an agreement with the player is reportedly in place, the deal still hinges on negotiations between Arsenal and Real Sociedad regarding the transfer fee. Reports indicate that the Spanish club is seeking a fee in the region of €25-30 million for Merino, who has one year remaining on his current contract.
![Merino agrees Arsenal deal after rejecting Barcelona 2 Spain's midfielder #06 Mikel Merino addresses a press conference of Spain's national football team, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 European football Championships, in Donaueschingen, on June 12, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/06/fbl-euro-2024-esp-presser-scaled-e1719135899670.jpg)
Real Sociedad’s recent moves further suggest that they are preparing for Merino’s departure. The club is reportedly close to finalising a deal for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, a central midfielder, for a fee of €20 million plus bonuses.
Arsenal’s interest in Merino predates Euro 2024 but his impressive performances in the tournament solidified the club’s belief in his potential impact in the Premier League. With the signing of Riccardo Calafiori completed and the departure of Emile Smith Rowe imminent, Arsenal is expected to accelerate their efforts to secure Merino’s services in the coming days. The start of the new season is, after all, only a few weeks away now.
![Merino agrees Arsenal deal after rejecting Barcelona 3 MALLORCA, SPAIN - JUNE 08: Mikel Merino of Spain looks on during the international friendly match between Spain and Northern Ireland at Estadi de Son Moix on June 08, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/06/spain-v-northern-ireland-international-friendly-1-scaled-e1719135934625.jpg)
Should it happen, the signing of Mikel Merino would represent another significant coup for Arsenal this summer after landing Calafiori when both were made serious offers by European giants (and Tottenham). Calafiori turned down the chance to stay in Italy and join Juventus, while Tottenham, Chelsea and a host of others also made approaches.
Merino, as mentioned above, has reportedly rejected the chance to sign for Barcelona or Atletico Madrid and his technical ability, tactical awareness, and experience at the highest level would undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal’s midfield and provide Arteta with another valuable option in his quest for the Premier League title.