Arsenal have been in talks with Real Sociedad for some time over midfielder Mikel Merino, and it appears that the deal is nearing completion. The 27-year-old has told La Real that he wants the move to London, and has already agreed terms with the Gunners.
The Txuri-Urdin have offered Merino a new contract, but he has ignored that offer, and as such La Real are forced into a sale or losing him for free next summer, with just a year left on his deal. As per Matteo Moretto, Arsenal are close to reaching a final agreement for Merino, which will be worth around €30m, but could rise to €35m including variables.
A finales de julio el Arsenal había hecho saber verbalmente a la Real Sociedad que llegaría a los 30M€ + bonus [casi 35M€ en total] por Mikel Merino.
Había que tener un poco de paciencia y la oferta por escrito llegaría.
Y estos días, el club inglés quiere llegar al final… https://t.co/OOfsmjW1xb
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) August 16, 2024
This is corroborated by Marca, who quote a report from El Diario Vasco, saying that the talks are in the final stretches, and verifying those figures.
Given his contract situation, La Real will no doubt consider it a good deal for Merino, if they can get it over the line. They have been in talks with Arsenal for several weeks over a deal, with the initial figures suggested at just €25m. It is still some way from his €65m release clause, and his value on a long-term contract, but they do stand to make around a €20m profit on Merino after six excellent seasons.
Let me guess, another putaIona target they missed out on.
PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA
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