Arsenal 'reach verbal agreement' to sign £25m midfielder

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, according to a report.

The Gunners have been scouring the market for a new midfielder this summer and have ramped up efforts to strengthen in that area in recent days.

90min first revealed last week that after Riccardo Calafiori's arrival from Bologna was confirmed, Arsenal would step up their interest in Merino.

Fabrizio Romano now reports that there is an 'agreement in place' between Arsenal and Merino in regards to personal terms, with just a transfer fee left to be sorted.

Real Sociedad are hoping to secure a package in excess of £25m for Merino, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract in the Basque Country. Verbal discussions are ongoing between the two clubs.

Merino most recently played a starring role off the bench for Spain during their triumph at Euro 2024, memorably scoring the winning goal in the final minute of their extra-time victory against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. He has been capped 28 times by La Roja at senior level.

The 28-year-old has been at Real Sociedad since 2018 having joined from Newcastle United, and has since made a staggering 242 appearances for La Reale - 90min understands this level of experience was of great appeal to Arsenal.

Merino's teammate for club and country Martin Zubimendi had been extensively linked with Arsenal, as well as the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, but he has remained steadfast in his desire to stay at Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have made three senior signings so far this summer, making David Raya's loan from Brentford permanent as well as acquiring Calafiori and young goalkeeper Tommy Setford.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP