Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach to sign one of Real Sociedad’s top players, according to Spanish newspaper El Diario Vasco.
The Gunners are looking to sign a new midfielder during the current transfer window and they are reportedly agreed terms with Mikel Merino.
The club have not made any formal approaches to sign him so far, but it is only a “matter of time” before he makes the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year-old has a £52m release clause but the Gunners are aware he could be sold for £26m as he is in the final year of his contract.
Merino could join Arsenal in the coming days
The London giants had a quiet summer transfer window, making just two signings in the form of David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
Much more was expected after the club finished second in the Premier League for the 2nd season in a row. In our opinion, there could be plenty of activity this month.
The club’s hierarchy recently made room and capital with the transfer of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and can now use the funds to purchase Merino from Sociedad.
The Spanish star has already given the green light for the move and the onus is on the Gunners to negotiate a suitable transfer fee to sign the Euro 2024 winner.
Merino would be a solid addition to the left-sided central midfielder position. He has won the most duels across Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023/24 campaign.
He was also impressive with his recoveries, tackles and creativity in the final third, with the former Newcastle United star registering eight goals and five assists last season.
Arsenal will need to step up their pursuit as Merino has not ruled out a move to Barcelona.
Statistics from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
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