Mikel Merino Set for Arsenal After £32.6m Agreement

Mikel Merino has reached a deal in principle to join Arsenal from Real Sociedad for up to £32.6 million. The agreement includes an initial fee of £28.4 million with an additional £4.2 million in add-ons. Merino, 28 has less than a year remaining on his contract with the La Liga club. Merino, a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, played in all seven matches of the tournament and scored a decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.

His acquisition would mark Arsenal’s third signing of the transfer window, following Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya, whom the Gunners have permanently signed from Brentford. The versatile midfielder can play a deeper role, which could complement Declan Rice, who often took on a box-to-box role last season.

Mikel Merino’s arrival would also add depth to Arsenal’s midfield options, offering competition to Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. Merino has Premier League experience from his previous year at Newcastle before his move to Real Sociedad in 2018. During his time at Sociedad, he played alongside Odegaard during the 2019-20 season when Odegaard was on loan from Real Madrid.

Last season, Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions scoring eight goals.