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Arsenal are reportedly nearing an agreement with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino for a £29.8 million transfer fee. The Gunners are keen to add the Real Sociedad man to their squad as they prepare for another attempt to wrest the Premier League title from Manchester City.
Real Sociedad midfielder Merino has quietly been one of the most solid central midfielders in Europe since the start of the 2023-24 season. The 28-year-old completed 4.29 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, a significantly higher number than that of other players in his position. He also contributed nine goals and five assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for club and country last season.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has looked to get his squad to compete better with every transfer window, and he got them to within two points of City last season. The manager will be keen to improve the squad further this summer and has already sanctioned the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.
Times Sport reports that Mikel Merino is closing in on a move to the Emirates after the club put forth an offer of £29.8 million for his signature. Personal terms are not a problem as an agreement is already in place for a long-term deal.
Merino is in the final year of his contract at San Sebastian and the club is unwilling to let him go for free next summer. With no agreement on an extension in place and with interest from multiple sides, the Spaniard will likely change teams this summer.
A former Newcastle United player, Merino's style of play makes him a perfect fit for the left-sided central midfield role in Arteta's system. His combative nature, aerial ability, and goalscoring ability will be valuable assets in the Gunners squad if he joins.
Arsenal receive boost as Dutch defender is set to be available for season opener
Arsenal have received a timely boost after manager Arteta revealed that Jurrien Timber will be in the squad for their Premier League 2024-25 opener. The Gunners are scheduled to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first game as they look to win their first league title since 2004. They will face off at the Emirates on Saturday, August 17.
Former Ajax man Timber missed out on nearly the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign after rupturing his ACL in the first league game of the season. He returned to action on the final day of the season against Everton for just his second appearance as an Arsenal player.
Timber missed out on the final three pre-season games against Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, and Olympique Lyonnais with a foot problem. Arteta confirmed in his press conference ahead of the Wolves game that the Dutchman is back fit and available for selection.
