An agreement between Arsenal and Real Sociedad for Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino is close after the Gunners tabled a verbal offer of €30 million, including bonuses, according to Matteo Moretto.
The Spanish journalist claims the North London club are one step away from securing the services of the 28-year-old following the recent bid from them.
Merino has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta an admirer of the former Borussia Dortmund star.
As reported on Sunday, Arsenal plan to enter into advanced talks with the representatives of the midfielder this week after they got positive responses following initial contacts.
With Emile Smith Rowe on his way to join Fulham, the Gunners will proceed with their move for Merino, and he could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium club in the coming days.
Whether everything can be sorted in time for him to be able to link up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of the United States remains to be seen, but he could be available for selection by the time they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League opener on August 17.
The addition of the Euro 2024 star will further strengthen Arsenal in the middle of the park, and it is clear to see why Arteta wants this move.
The trio of Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will significantly improve the fortunes of the Gunners in midfield, and they will become tougher to beat.
They have already bolstered their defensive ranks with the addition of Riccardo Calafiori, and an attacker could also be snapped up if Eddie Nketiah leaves for Marseille as expected.
