Arsenal in 'active talks' to complete £21m transfer deal as Fabrizio Romano says personal terms 'agreed'

Arsenal remain ‘active’ in their pursuit of Real Sociedad and Spanish Euros 2024 winner Mikel Merino despite previous claims earlier this week that talks had begun to slow down. The Gunners’ target was been left out of his club’s latest pre-season contest as the impending transfer heats up.

The Gunners, who will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening Premier League clash next weekend, have only added David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori to their permanent squad this transfer window but are hoping Raya could soon be reunited with his compatriot as they close in on signing the 28-year-old Merino.

The midfielder has been with Real Sociedad since joining from Newcastle in 2018. He has nearly 200 La Liga games under his belt and the Gunners are hopeful that his ability in duels, coupled with his physicality and athletic ability in disrupting players in the midfield can couple well with Declan Rice for the 2024/25 campaign.

Providing an update on the ongoing transfer saga, Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to say that while one former Gunners target is making limited progress to head to the Premier League, Merino is currently not part of the Real Sociedad squad.

“Martin Zubimendi has been called up for Real Sociedad next game while Liverpool try to convince him”, Romano posted. “Mikel Merino has not been called up as Arsenal talks are still ongoing, advanced but with deal structure/payment terms to clarify.”

Later in the evening, Romano offered further news on the subject by telling Gooners that their club continued to be in ‘active talks’ with the midfield star: “Arsenal remain in active talks to complete Mikel Merino deal, more steps to follow. Merino has agreed on personal terms with Arsenal, clubs keep working on deal structure/payment terms; fee over €25m.”

Romano also noted that while other clubs in Spain have been hopeful of procuring Merino’s services, the 28-year-old has confirmed his wish of moving to the Emirates ahead of their impending clash against Wolves: “Atletico and Barca, already informed of Merino’s desire to join AFC.”