Royal Society star Mikel Merino is close to completing a long-awaited move to Arsenal and the two clubs have agreed a £32.5 million ($43 million) deal.
Merino reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners earlier this month but La Real were holding out for an increase in fee, with the Spain international in the final year of his contract at San Sebastian.
With the Premier League and La Liga transfer windows closing on August 30, Arsenal have stepped up talks and The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims a deal is all but done.
? Arsenal reach an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad to sign Mikel Merino. €33.5 million + €5 million in variables. Personal conditions agreed for the signing of the 28-year-old #AFC of #Society with a 4-year contract + option for a 5th year in favor of the club. @MarioCortegana @gunnerblog @ElAthleticFC https://t.co/sN0GBu90Nk
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 22, 2024
As part of extended negotiations, Arsenal have sought to secure a structured deal, with an initial fee of £28.5m ($37m), followed by £4m ($6m) in add-ons.
Merino will sign a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium in the coming days and the club will announce it shortly.
The 28-year-old is on course to become Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after agreeing a permanent deal with Spain team-mate David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Arteta’s side opened their EPL season with a 2-0 home win over Wolves as the Gunners look to take the Premier League title from Manchester City, heading to Aston Villa on August 24.
