•Mikel Merino
Arsenal has reached an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
The Gunners, who have been focused on strengthening their midfield throughout the summer, turned their attention to Merino following the conclusion of Euro 2024.
However, negotiations with Sociedad over the 28-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, proved challenging.
Merino was notably absent from Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga opener due to ongoing transfer talks.
The Athletic reports that the two clubs have now agreed on terms, with Arsenal set to pay an initial €33.5 million (£28.4 million), plus an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential add-ons. This could bring the total value of the transfer to €38.5 million (£32.7 million).
The Spanish midfielder has agreed to a four-year contract with Arsenal, which includes an option for an additional 12 months.
Mikel Merino, who celebrated his 28th birthday in June, is no stranger to the Premier League, having previously spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund.
During that stint, he made 24 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
