Speaking on the Here We Go podcast on Saturday, Fabrizio Romano gave the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
“Arsenal started negotiations weeks ago for Mikel Merino,” Romano said. “Arsenal are in active conversations with Real Sociedad.
“The player wants to go to Arsenal, he has an agreement with Arsenal. Barcelona, Atletico, all the other clubs that were interested, are aware of the decision of the player.
“The contract is ready, the player wants to work for Mikel Arteta. He’s really attracted by the technical project and by the manager. He believes that Arteta is the perfect coach for his skills.
“Now, Arsenal and Real Sociedad are in contact, talks at a very advanced stage, but still working on the payment terms, and the deal structure.
“It’s advanced, but still some work to do on the final details.”
Local outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa reported this week that Merino has already told Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay that he wants to join Arsenal, though the club are nonetheless making a desperate effort to tie the midfielder down to a new contract.
Sociedad are willing to make Merino and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi the highest-paid players in their squad, but the feeling is that it’s too late, and that it’s not a question of money.
The indications are that Merino’s future will be resolved within days. Whilst the Zubimendi saga may take longer, it could also be done soon.
There had been some speculation in recent days that Arsenal were continuing to explore alternatives to Merino, and his absence from Real Sociedad’s pre-season friendly was put down to fitness rather than an imminent transfer.
But most sources are now increasingly in agreement that the transfer is inevitable, it’s just a matter of when it gets done.