Despite earlier reports suggesting that Arsenal could secure Mikel Merino for between £20 million and £25 million, Real Sociedad has successfully negotiated an increase in the deal. The final agreement includes potential add-ons worth £4.2 million in addition to an additional £2 million in upfront fees.
A verbal agreement is in place for the Spanish midfielder to join the Gunners. The deal is worth €32 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with favorable payment terms. The contract will run until 2028. Arsenal has been closing in on the Merino deal since the end of July, and Merino only wanted Arsenal, according to a tweet from Fabrizio Romano confirming the news.
Romano went on to emphasize Mikel Arteta’s significance in securing Merino’s transfer to Arsenal, pointing out that Arteta’s influence was crucial in securing the signing of Riccardo Calafiori. Merino reportedly received at least two offers, but he made it obvious that Arsenal was his first choice. He will sign a contract with an option to extend that expires in 2028 and is scheduled to travel for a medical examination.
During his Friday press conference, Arteta did not provide significant updates, only mentioning that the transfer would happen “soon.” “Mikel Merino is on his way to London today as planned!” tweeted Romano later. He is on his way to England to finalize his relocation to Arsenal, where he will undergo medical examinations and sign a contract. With an option to extend until 2029, the agreement expires in June 2028.
The England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is still looking for a new club, and according to Sky Sports, Southampton, who was recently promoted, is getting ready to make a loan bid for him. Arsenal, on the other hand, has already turned down loan offers from Ajax and Wolves. The Gunners are hoping to sell Aaron Ramsdale permanently to balance their summer spending, but few teams are willing to pay their £20 million asking price, so a loan agreement with a buyout option may be the best result as the transfer deadline draws nears.
