Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Mikel Merino, with formal transfer talks now ongoing and Edu Gaspar travelling to Spain to work on the deal.

After plenty of links between Arsenal and Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in recent weeks, the Gunners are now pushing ahead with the formal process of agreeing a transfer.

Yon Cuezva of Radio MARCA was the first to report on Wednesday morning that Arsenal and Sociedad had begun formal talks for a deal, with the Spanish club turning down the Gunners’ initial offer.

Sam Dean of The Telegraph confirmed that Arsenal had made contact with Real Sociedad, adding that talks are ongoing, and Fabrizio Romano wrote that after weeks of verbal contact, the Gunners are moving to the formal part of the bidding process.

David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed that Arsenal were stepping up efforts to sign Merino, with talks ongoing and Edu Gaspar travelling to Spain to pursue an agreement.

Ornstein added that Arsenal were confident of a positive resolution, with Merino himself keen to join and personal terms not thought to be an issue.

Sociedad have offered Merino a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 12 months, but his representatives have made it clear that the player’s intention is to join Arsenal.

Arsenal are reportedly likely to want assurances of a significant transfer departure before proceeding to the final stages of a deal for Merino, with Eddie Nketiah the most likely to make way.

Merino made 45 appearances for Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and assisting a further five. He then joined up with Spain on international duty, featuring throughout Euro 2024 as his team ended up winning the trophy.