Arsenal heavyweight travels to Spain to sort out lengthy Mikel Merino talks – could hinge on exit | OneFootball

Arsenal continue in talks for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with a solution between the three clubs expected. The Gunners remain confident they will get a deal done.

Merino, 27, has just a year left on his deal this summer, and is neglecting to sign a new contract. Despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Merino has agreed terms with Arsenal, and has told the Txuri-Urdin he wants to join Arsenal.

The Athletic are reporting that Arsenal Sporting Director Edu has been in Spain this week to negotiate with La Real. They are optimistic about reaching an agreement, but it is noted that Arsenal may want to seal an exit before pulling the trigger on a deal. That was the case with Riccardo Calafiori, for whom a deal was agreed only once Emile Smith-Rowe’s move to Fulham was in the pipeline. Eddie Nketiah’s move to Olympique Marseille appears to have fallen through, but he is expected to leave, and Bournemouth have shown interest.

This information is corroborated by Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside, who explains that the two clubs are in ongoing communication over a deal, much as was the case with Calafiori. Romano also says that Arsenal and Merino remain positive on a deal.