Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal to sign Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.

 

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign world-class midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad – after months of tracking the player.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Gunners are now reaching the final stages of completing a deal for the Spaniard, who would be their third signing of the summer transfer window – after Tommy Setford and Riccardo Calafiori.

He continued: “Agreement in place on personal terms as Merino wants the move. Verbal discussions with Real Sociedad for package in excess of €30m, talks on to get the deal done.”

Merino reportedly has a £55m (€65m) release clause in his current contract with Real Sociedad, but the Gunners are set to negotiate a far lower fee for the central midfielder ahead of his potential arrival in North London.

Romano is not the only journalist to have shared this news, with Italian Matteo Moretto revealing: “Arsenal is one step away from Mikel Merino. In the last few hours the English club has presented a verbal offer of 30 million euros plus bonuses and the agreement with Real Sociedad is close.”