Arsenal are really close to an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign Mikel Merino, and it could be done within the next couple of days, according to a report.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JULY 05: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Stuttgart Arena on July 05, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY: Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Stuttgart Arena on July 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Mikel Merino’s move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal is now just about the final details of a deal, and we could see a full agreement within the next 24-48 hours.

The two clubs are already in agreement on the fee, having spent time working on the payment terms, deal structure, and add-ons in the last few weeks. Now it’s just a case of finalising the last details of the transfer.

Romano adds that Merino can’t wait to play for Mikel Arteta, and he believes that Arsenal is the perfect place for him to be.

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)
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)

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil told the media over the weekend that he’d left Merino out of his squad because of the ongoing transfer talks.

“(I’ve left out players who) are in talks with other teams,” Alguacil said. “If it were up to him (Merino), he would be on the pitch, but I’m leaving him out. I think it’s the best thing for everyone.

“During the week we worked thinking that he would be with the group and at the last minute I decided to leave him out.

“You know Merino, he was there to help. At the moment he is with us, at the moment he hasn’t left. I don’t know what will happen, although I know what he wants, but we don’t know because the market is what it is.”

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)
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)

David Ornstein confirmed this week 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 offered Merino a new contract to try and convince him to stay, but his representatives made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal.

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.