Arsenal and Real Sociedad are accelerating talks over the transfer of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino to the Premier League club, sources have told ESPN.
The player has already given his approval for the transfer to go ahead, sources said, but an agreement has not yet been reached between the clubs.
Arsenal's interest in Merino is nothing new. Manager Mikel Arteta has been a long-time supporter of the player and believes his profile – and his development in recent seasons – is what his team needs.
Merino, 28, was part of the Spain squad that lifted the Euro 2024 title, making a notable contribution with the winning goal in extra time against Germany in the quarter-finals.
He has twice rejected offers to renew his contract with Real Sociedad and the Basque club know that they must find a destination for him this summer to avoid losing him for free in a year's time.
The transfer fee is the main obstacle to closing a deal, sources told ESPN. The La Liga club are hoping to receive at least 35 million euros ($38.6 million) for one of their star players, while Arsenal believe they can afford to pay at least 35 million euros ($38.6 million). The Royal They are asking too much considering that Merino's contract expires in 2025.
However The Royal The Spanish club rejected a €35m offer from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, the sources added. However, the two clubs have a good relationship and there is optimism that a mutually beneficial solution can be reached.
Sources also said that Real Sociedad are close to agreeing a new contract with Martin Zubimendi after the midfielder rejected a transfer to Liverpool.
Merino's compatriot, Spanish international Zubimendi, decided not to move to Merseyside this week and The Royal We have now taken the opportunity to move forward in negotiations on a renewal.
Sources said an announcement about a new deal that would see Zubimendi The RoyalMadrid's highest-paid player, alongside striker Mikel Oyarzabal, is expected to arrive next week.
