Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal worth up to £32.6 million.
The 28-year-old, who has less than a year remaining on his contract with the La Liga side, will join the Gunners for an initial fee of £28.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons.
Merino, who was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, featured in all seven matches of the tournament and scored a crucial late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
His arrival at Arsenal would mark the club’s third signing of the transfer window, following the acquisitions of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya, with the latter’s move made permanent from Brentford.
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Capable of playing as a deeper-lying midfielder, Merino is expected to complement Declan Rice, who was deployed in a more ‘box-to-box’ role at times last season. His addition would provide Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with further options in midfield, competing alongside Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Mikel Merino brings with him prior Premier League experience, having spent a year at Newcastle United before joining Real Sociedad in 2018. During his time at Sociedad, he played alongside Odegaard in the 2019-20 season when the Norwegian was on loan from Real Madrid.
With 28 caps for Spain, Merino enjoyed a productive campaign last season, making 45 appearances across all competitions and scoring eight goals. His move to Arsenal is expected to bolster the team’s midfield as they prepare for the upcoming season.
