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August 1, 2024

Arsenal Finalizes Deal to Acquire £25m Midfielder Mikel Merino – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Spanish reports suggest that Arsenal is finally finalizing a €30 million (£25.3 million) deal with Real Sociedad for midfielder Mikel Merino. This move reflects Arsenal’s ambition to strengthen their midfield, as Merino’s skill set and experience could significantly enhance their squad depth. The negotiations seem to progress smoothly, and an official announcement may soon be expected.

The Gunners kicked off the transfer window by completing a permanent transfer for goalkeeper David Raya, marking a significant addition to their squad. Shortly after, they secured Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a substantial fee of £42 million, further enhancing their defensive lineup. Manager Mikel Arteta is particularly keen to strengthen his midfield options, recognizing the need for depth and versatility following last season’s impressive run as Premier League runners-up. Additionally, reports indicate that Arsenal has been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain concerning Fabian Ruiz, suggesting that the club is actively pursuing top talent to improve their chances in the upcoming season.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield options before the new season, recognizing the critical role that a robust midfield plays in achieving the club’s goals. Reports indicate that last season’s Premier League runners-up have actively engaged in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the potential acquisition of Fabian Ruiz. The Spanish midfielder is known for his technical skills and tactical awareness, making him a valuable addition to any squad. By targeting Ruiz, Arsenal aims to bolster their midfield depth and versatility, ensuring they remain competitive in domestic and European competitions.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

However, according to Relevo, Arsenal is making notable strides in finalizing a deal for another standout player from Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. Mikel Merino is reportedly on the verge of a move to the Premier League, indicating that the Gunners are focused on enhancing their roster with top talent. This potential signing underscores Arsenal’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging titles. Merino’s addition could provide valuable experience and skill to the midfield, further solidifying the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season.

The report indicates that Arsenal and Real Sociedad have successfully reached an initial agreement for a transfer fee of €30 million (£25.3 million) for midfielder Mikel Merino, with the possibility of additional bonuses that could further enhance the total package. This development highlights Arsenal’s proactive approach in the transfer market as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Football fans can expect an official announcement regarding this deal in the coming days, as both clubs appear to be working diligently to finalize the details and communicate the transfer to the public.

Arsenal has also reached a personal agreement with Merino, with Relevo reporting that the 28-year-old has had several discussions with Arteta regarding a move to the club.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad is preparing for Merino’s exit and is actively negotiating to acquire PSG midfielder Carlos Soler.

In the last year of his contract with Real Sociedad, Merino has garnered significant interest from Barcelona.

This week, Real Sociedad’s president, Jokin Aperribay, hinted at the possibility of Merino departing the club.

‘I think Mikel has been very honest with Real. He has had a renewal offer for a year and if he hasn’t renewed it’s because he didn’t want to tell the Real fans that I’m staying and then leaving, and I think that speaks well of him,’ Jokin Aperribay said.

‘I would like him not to leave, we all would, but if he tells us that he accepts one of the offers he has on the table and wants us to negotiate, we will do so.

‘We know he has them, and we also know them. But at the moment we continue to hope that Mikel Merino stays at Real.

‘We would like it to be his decision, but if it is not, we will try to negotiate a better way for him to leave Real Sociedad.’