The Spanish outlet “Relevo” has revealed that Arsenal have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign Mikel Merino.
The Spanish star has been the target of many big clubs this summer, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, and was also linked with a move to Chelsea.
In the end, Arsenal managed to secure the deal for a fee of 30 million euros plus add-ons.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played a big role in convincing Merino to join the Gunners after talks between the two in recent weeks made the player believe that the London club is his best destination.
Merino was one of the stars of Euro 2024 despite being a substitute player, as he secured Spain’s qualification for the semi-finals at the expense of Germany with his deadly header in the final minutes of extra time.
With Merino joining Arsenal, Real Sociedad will move to replace him, and it is most likely that Carlos Soler will be his successor at the Anoeta Stadium, given his departure from Paris Saint-Germain’s plans and the player’s own desire to leave the Parc des Princes.
It is worth noting that this is the 28-year-old Merino’s second experience in the Premier League, having previously played for Newcastle in 2017. He will also be Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after bringing in Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
