Arsenal close to agreeing €30 million deal to sign EURO 2024 star - Reports
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on signing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The Spain international impressed with his performances at Euro 2024, where La Roja clinched the title.
He made seven appearances in the tournament, bagging a goal. Now, the player is making a big move to join the Gunners, who have finished second in the race for the Premier League two seasons running.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted an update about the situation on his X account (formerly Twitter) and claimed that a deal in excess of €30 million will soon be agreed upon. He wrote:
"Arsenal are closing in on Mikel Merino deal as verbal agreement is now getting closer. Agreement in place on personal terms as Merino wants the move."
"Verbal discussion with Real Sociedad for package in excess of €30m, talks on to get the deal done."
The Gunners are in search of a central midfielder who can occupy the left-side channel. This would allow Declan Rice to play as a number six while Martin Odegaard enjoys an advanced role on the right-hand side.
Merino is a box-to-box midfielder who could become a part of the first XI, but he will have to see off competition from Thomas Partey and Leandro Trossard. The 28-year-old is versatile and can also play as a holding midfielder, which would mean Rice plays in a more attacking position.
To date, Merino made 242 appearances across competitions for the La Liga side, bagging 27 goals and 30 assists.
Arsenal journalist provides update on Fabian Ruiz's links to the Emirates
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Mikel Merino's Spain teammate Fabian Ruiz this summer (via One Football). The Paris Saint-Germain star was sensational at Euro 2024, with some even claiming that he was in contention for the Player of the Tournament prize.
However, Gunners journalist Charles Watts is of the opinion that the north Londoners are focused on Merino and that he hasn't heard much about the Ruiz transfer. This doesn't seem surprising, given both players operate in similar midfield positions.
With three years left on Ruiz's deal at the Parc des Princes, he is certain to have been more of an expensive purchase this summer. At the European Championships, the Ligue 1 star made six appearances for Spain, bagging two goals and assists each.