Arsenal They are preparing a second transfer offer for a key target Mikel Merino at Royal Society.
The Gunners have been in talks with La Real since late July but with no firm progress made on a deal to bring the Euro 2024 winner to north London.
Merino has reportedly agreed personal terms to make the move, but his current club are holding out for a price as close to his full transfer value as possible.
Real Sociedad have already rejected Liverpool’s proposal to sign Merino’s midfield partner Martin Zubimendi but are less confident of retaining the former.
Merino has opted not to renew his contract at San Sebastian, as his current link expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, so the focus in the Basque Country is on securing a top fee.
According to the latest update of The GuardianArsenal have had an initial bid of £21.5m ($27.5m) rejected, while Real Sociedad are hoping for £30m ($38.5m) before the EPL transfer window closes on August 30.
With Arsenal kicking off their new Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17, a second offer of compromise could be delayed until next week, with Mikel Arteta’s sole focus centred on that game.