Arsenal have reached a ‘total agreement’ with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Mikel Merino.
The two teams have been locked in negotiations to discuss a deal for the Spain international, as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his midfield options at the Emirates.
Sky Germany are reporting that Arsenal have now agreed terms on a deal that will see the Gunners pay a fixed amount of €33.5m, with a further €5m dependent in add-ons.
The midfielder will become Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer, after deals for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.
Merino has cemented a reputation as one of La Liga’s best midfielders across recent campaigns and was named in the divisional Team of the Season in 2022/23, after helping Sociedad to Champion League qualification.
The 28-year-old formed part of Spain’s victorious squad at this summer’s European Championship and scored the decisive goal in extra-time of the Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Germany.
His move to North London will mark a return to English football for Merino, who had a short-lived spell at Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season before returning to Spain.
