Arsenal have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign midfield star Mikel Merino.
La Real had been working on a deal to retain the Spanish international in San Sebastian but he now looks set to move on.
Merino’s current deal in the Basque Country expires in 2025, and with no progress on an extension, the club have accepted an inevitable exit.
The Gunners have reportedly put forward a package in the region of €30m, which Real Sociedad are set to accept, to avoid a free transfer departure next summer.
As per the latest update from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are now in advanced talks, after agreeing personal terms with Merino’s representatives.
The transfer could be wrapped up in the coming days with Arsenal back in the UK following their preseason USA tour.
A move for Merino is also likely to mean the end of Arsenal’s interest in his clubmate Martin Zubimendi, who wants to stay with La Real, despite being linked with a move away.