Arsenal 'reach agreement in principal' for Mikel Merino as date set for completion

Arsenal have reportedly struck up an agreement with Real Sociedad for the signing of Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in midfield for the 2024/25 campaign.

And it looks as if Arsenal have got their man, with reports in Spain detailing the agreement which is believed to be in the region of £30million.

Unlike Premier League rivals Liverpool, Arsenal have had no issues in convincing the La Real player to leave San Sebastian.

It's claimed in the report that Merino is keen to join the north London outfit during the summer transfer window.

That's despite La Real having tabled a contract extension for Merino, with his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2025.

The Spanish side had therefore been backed into a corner, as they can't afford to let a player of Merino's quality leave on a free transfer.

As a result, a £30million price tag was slapped on his shoulders, with Atletico Madrid among the teams said to be interested.

However, Merino only had eyes for the Premier League, meaning Arsenal have had somewhat of a clean run at securing his signature.

If the Premier League runners-up get the deal across the line, it should represent good value for money, not least because the 28-year-old's release clause was set at close to double La Real's asking price.

It's suggested if nothing goes wrong between now and signing on the dotted line, Merino could be revealed as an Arsenal player as early as next week.

Merino has been training with La Real's first team despite the ongoing transfer saga, but it's mooted he won't be included in their matchday squad for this weekend's La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano.

It would be Arsenal's third signing of the summer transfer window, after the Gunners completed permanent moves for David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.

The Emirates Stadium outfit are looking to end a two-decade-long Premier League drought, having come mightily close in the previous two campaigns.

Finishing five points behind champions Manchester City in 2022/23, Arteta's men cut the gap to just two points last time around.

Their pursuit of the league begins at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, before a trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in their second game of the campaign next weekend.