Arsenal have reached a deal in principle to sign Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a fee that could rise to £32.6 million. The deal includes an initial payment of £28.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons.
Merino, who is 28 years old and has less than a year remaining on his contract with Real Sociedad, was a key player for Spain in their Euro 2024 campaign, featuring in all seven matches and scoring a decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-final.
Should the transfer go through, Merino would become Arsenal's third signing of the transfer window. The Gunners have already added Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya, with the latter's move from Brentford now permanent.
Merino is expected to play a deeper-lying midfield role and could complement Declan Rice, who frequently played a 'box-to-box' role last season. His arrival would provide Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with additional midfield options, joining Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Previously, Merino spent a year in the Premier League with Newcastle before joining Real Sociedad in 2018. During the 2019-20 season, he played alongside Odegaard, who was on loan from Real Madrid at that time.
In the past season, Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad, scoring eight goals. He has 28 caps for Spain.
