Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal agree fee and are close to signing Mikel Merino

Arsenal and City circling Newcastle United’s star midfielder Bruno Guimarães

Arsenal are on the verge of securing a crucial addition to their squad, with reports suggesting that the North London club has agreed on a fee for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Gunners Agree £29.8m Fee for Real Sociedad Star Mikel Merino

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news, revealing that the deal is in its final stages and could be completed within the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Gunners have been active in the transfer market this summer, focusing on quality over quantity. Their pursuit of Merino underscores manager Mikel Arteta’s commitment to bolstering the midfield, particularly with concerns over Thomas Partey’s injury history.

Merino, who recently played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, is seen as the perfect backup for Declan Rice, bringing both experience and versatility to the squad.

Romano highlighted that the clubs have been ironing out the finer details over the past few weeks, including payment terms and add-ons, with the final agreement reportedly set at £29.8 million.

This move not only strengthens Arsenal’s midfield depth but also gives Merino a shot at Premier League redemption after a brief and underwhelming stint at Newcastle United in 2017.

Described as having a unique player, Merino is more than just a backup option. His tactical intelligence and ability to adapt to different midfield roles make him an asset who could see significant playing time in a demanding season.

With the deal nearly done, Arsenal fans will be eager to see how the Spaniard fits into Arteta’s plans as the club continues its quest to dethrone Manchester City and reclaim Premier League glory.

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