Arsenal reach agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino - report

Arsenal have struck a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, a report has revealed.

The Gunners have been trying to bolster in midfield all summer and set their sights on Merino after Euro 2024 came to a close, but talks with Sociedad over the 28-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract, proved challenging.

Merino was left out of the Sociedad squad for their La Liga opener because of the ongoing negotiations, but The Athletic now report the two clubs have finally agreed terms.

Arsenal have agreed to pay an initial €33.5m (£28.4m), with a further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons, taking the total value of the transfer up to a possible €38.5m (£32.7m).

The terms of a four-year contract, which also includes the option of an extra 12 months, have already been agreed between Arsenal and Merino, who turned 28 in June.

Merino does already have some Premier League experience under his belt. The midfielder joined Newcastle United on loan from Borussia Dortmund for the 2017/18 season and made 24 appearances in England's top flight, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist.

Newcastle's loan was made permanent the following summer but the Magpies opted to cash in and immediately sold to Sociedad in a deal worth a reported €12m.

Should his move to Arsenal be finalised as expected, Merino would become the third senior addition of the summer, following goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori in inking terms at the Emirates Stadium.

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