Arsenal sporting director Edu has travelled to Spain in an effort to seal a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old has been strongly linked to the Gunners since Euro 2024, and negotiations between both parties have now reportedly started.
Merino has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, meaning the La Liga club need to sell him this summer to ensure they receive a sizeable fee.
The club did initially want him to sign a new contract, but Merino rejected the offer is seemingly intent on a move to north London.
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And according to the Athletic, Edu arrived in Spain earlier this week in order to try and speed up the transfer. Personal terms are said to have been agreed, but a fee is yet to be finalised.
Amid concerns over profit and sustainability rules, Arsenal do need to make player sales this summer in order to bring in new signings. Riccardo Calafiori was brought from Bologna, a move part-funded by the sale of Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham.
Eddie Nkeitah was also set to depart the club this week before a move to Marseille broke down. But there has been reported interest in the player from elsewhere, and the forward could now hold the key to the Merino deal.
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Merino has been at Sociedad since 2018, following an underwhelming season in England with Newcastle United. He's since made 242 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring 27 times.
And he played a pivotal role in his country tasting glory this summer, heading home an extra-time winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. He also came on in the final as Spain beat England 2-1 to capture the tournament for the fourth time.
And despite Sociedad's reluctance to let him leave, the potential blow has been softened this week. Merino’s midfield partner Martin Zubamendi rejected a move to Liverpool in order to stay with the club.
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Merino would represent a third summer signing for Arsenal. Before Calafiori came on board, David Raya made his loan move for Brentford permanent.
But Edu faces a race against time to get the player at the club before the start of the Premier League season. Arsenal kick-off their title bid this Saturday, with a home game against Wolves.
