'No longer here': Real Sociedad boss drops huge Mikel Merino hint as Arsenal 'on course' to complete transfer

Mikel Merino remains Arsenal’s leading transfer target as we approach the final days of the summer window. The Gunners have been pushing to strike a deal for the midfielder from Real Sociedad, who have become a hotbed for Premier League interest in recent weeks.

Along with Arsenal’s intent to sign Merino, rivals Liverpool have been heavily linked with teammate Martín Zubimendi, but talks did not come to fruition despite all signs pointing to an Anfield switch. However, manager Imanol Alguacil has dropped a potential hint that both Merino and Zubimendi could be headed for the exit after all.

GiveMeSport has reported that Arsenal are ‘on course’ to completing the signing of Merino ‘within the next 24 hours’ following progress made in negotiations over the weekend. The Premier League title-chasers are reportedly close to receiving the green light to finalise talks and schedule his medical.

Talks have ramped up after Merino was left out of the Real Sociedad side that lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Alguacil discussed his side’s defeat and suggested that this may well be the end of Merino’s chapter in San Sebastián, somewhat comparing his situation to Robin Le Normand, who left the club last month to sign for Atlético Madrid.

“There are no two players like Merino and Le Normand, but they are no longer here. More signings? If they improve what we have, yes,” Alguacil said after the Ray Vallecano loss, via Marca, before answering a question about the ‘complications’ of the transfer window, with his key players attracting interest.

“It has not been complicated at all, it is what happens every year, to all coaches, clubs and sporting directors. Every summer there is movement. Merino and Le Normand? There are no two players like them. And I won't even tell you if Zubimendi leaves us at the last minute. They are irreplaceable players.

“Because of what they have done, we are talking about Le Normand leaving, Arsenal want Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay the release clause for Zubimendi. But we cannot always look for an excuse when Merino and Le Normand are not there if things don't work out for us.”

The GiveMeSport report claims that Merino has ‘been sold’ on the Emirates move for some time now and he is ‘totally convinced’ of the role he will play as Arsenal once again push to lift the Premier League trophy this season. There is reportedly ‘optimism’ surrounding the likelihood of the Gunners agreeing a £25 million fee for Merino’s signature before the window slams shut on August 30th.