Arsenal and Real Sociedad are now really close to an agreement for the transfer of Mikel Merino, with the situation proceeding to the final stages.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 09, 2023. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are closing in on a €30m deal to sign 28-year-old midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with an agreement now “really, really close” and talks progressing to the final stages.

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a driving force behind the move, knowing the player well and monitoring him for a while before this summer bid.

The club all appear to be on the same page on this one, with Romano adding that the board and scouting department also believe Merino is perfect for Arsenal.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid CF at Reale Arena on April 26, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, reports broke that Arsenal had made a €30m verbal offer for Merino, with the suggestion that Sociedad were likely to accept it.

An agreement is also in place on personal terms, with the player excited by the prospect of joining Arsenal and returning to the Premier League. He previously played in the division for a season with Newcastle United.

If all goes well, documents should be exchanged for the signing by the end of the week, once the payment structure and add-ons have been finalised.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on March 5, 2024. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Merino spent the summer with Spain at Euro 2024 as they won the tournament, so he’s been on his holidays for the last couple of weeks.

The midfielder’s break will officially end on Monday, August 5th. Ideally, Arsenal would have a deal done by then so he can link up with his new teammates instead of returning to Sociedad.

Merino would be Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, having brought in David Raya from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and young goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard so far.

Arsenal “really really close” to huge 5th summer signing

Arsenal and Real Sociedad are now really close to an agreement for the transfer of Mikel Merino, with the situation proceeding to the final stages.