Arsenal Reaches Agreement To Sign Mikel Merino From Real Sociedad

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have agreed to pay € 33.5 million (£28.4m) alongside €5m in variables to secure the services of the midfielder, who is expected to agree on a four-year contract plus a club option of a further year after undergoing medical.

The two teams are engaged in negotiations regarding a deal for the Spain international, as Mikel Arteta aims to enhance his midfield options at the Emirates.

The midfielder will become Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer after deals for Brentford goalkeeper, David Raya, and Bologna center-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Merino has established himself as one of La Liga’s top midfielders in recent seasons and was included in the divisional Team of the Season for 2022/23, thanks to his contributions that helped Sociedad secure Champions 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.

Merino’s transfer to North London will see him return to English football, having previously had a brief stint at Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season before heading back to Spain.