According to a recent report, Arsenal’s negotiations to sign Mikel Merino are moving quickly and have reached a very advanced stage.
Speaking on the *Here We Go* podcast on Saturday, Fabrizio Romano gave the most recent information regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfield player. Romano clarified that talks about Merino were started by Arsenal weeks ago and are currently in progress.
He disclosed that Merino is excited to work with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and has already committed to joining the team. The midfielder from Spain feels that Arteta is the best coach to help him advance his career, and he is apparently drawn to Arsenal’s technical project. Although Merino had attracted the attention of teams like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, these clubs are now aware of his decision to relocate to North London.
Romano claims that although the terms of payment and the structure of the agreement have already been finalized, Merino and Arsenal have already prepared a contract. The negotiations are very far along, but there is still work to be done on the specifics.
Most sources now concur that the transfer is almost certain, despite recent rumors suggesting Arsenal might be looking for alternatives to Merino, especially after his absence from a Real Sociedad preseason friendly was explained by fitness concerns. When the deal will be finished is the only unanswered question.
