Arsenal are in advanced talks with Real Sociedad about signing Spanish 2024 Euro winner Mikel Merino, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
Merino is keen to join the Gunners and there is optimism on both sides that a deal can be done for the former Newcastle midfielder, valued at £30 million.
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The Pitch Prospect reported earlier this month that the north London giant had begun negotiations with the Spanish side.
And Arsenal’s efforts to sign the 28-year-old were boosted after he rejected a new contract offer from Sociedad.
With his contract at the Reale Arena expiring next summer, the La Liga team knows that now is the right time to cash in on the player.
The midfielder played his best last season, contributing eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
And he took his excellent form into the European Championship, where he played a key role in Spain winning the trophy for a record fourth time.
Merino, who spent the 2017/18 season at Newcastle, played in all seven of Spain’s games.
In the quarter-finals against hosts Germany, he even scored the decisive goal in a thrilling 2-1 win in extra time.
If he were to move to the Emirates, Arsenal would have to shell out almost £100 million for three players this summer.
Arsenal signed goalkeeper David Raya – Merino’s teammate on the international stage – for £27 million after converting his loan from Brentford into a permanent stay.
And then they completed a £38 million deal to sign versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
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If Arsenal secure Merino’s services, he could play in midfield alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal’s invincible player Ray Parlour has already given his approval to his former employer’s attempt to snap up the player.
The The Pitch Prospect expert said: “Merino is a top player, he has played well for Spain and Real Sociedad.
“At 28, he is at a good age, it is perfect, at this point he should be at his best.
“And Arsenal said: ‘for £25 million [£30m]it’s a good business.’
“I think they have a good relationship with Real Sociedad anyway. [Kieran] Tierney is going there on loan.”
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