Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino transfer, according to recent reports. The Gunners have been actively seeking to strengthen their midfield throughout the summer and identified Merino as a prime target after Euro 2024 concluded. However, negotiations with Sociedad over the 28-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, proved to be a challenging process.
Mikel Merino was notably absent from Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga opener due to the ongoing transfer discussions. Despite the complexities, The Athletic reports that Arsenal and Real Sociedad have finally agreed on terms. Arsenal will pay an initial €33.5 million (£28.4 million), with potential add-ons amounting to an additional €5 million (£4.2 million), bringing the total possible value of the transfer to €38.5 million (£32.7 million).
The terms of a four-year contract between Arsenal and Mikel Merino have already been finalized. The contract also includes an option for an extra 12 months. Merino, who turned 28 in June, brings valuable experience to the team, including previous Premier League exposure.
Mikel Merino previously played in the Premier League during a loan spell with Newcastle United in the 2017/18 season. During his time with Newcastle, he made 24 appearances in England’s top flight, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Although Newcastle made his loan move permanent the following summer, they opted to sell him to Real Sociedad for a reported €12 million.
If the move to Arsenal is completed as expected, Merino will become the third senior signing for the Gunners this summer, following the arrivals of goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori at the Emirates Stadium.
