Arsenal now ‘closer than ever’ to signing £52m ‘world-class’ star – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are close to securing an agreement for one of Real Sociedad’s best players, according to Spanish outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

The Gunners recently confirmed the arrival of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and they are now focused on landing midfielder Mikel Merino.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa now claim that Merino could be heading for an ‘imminent departure’ after being left out of Sociedad’s squad to face Union Berlin.

The Spaniard considers the Gunners as the ‘ideal destination’. The club are ‘best placed’ to sign him after he turned down an offer from Atletico Madrid.

The outlet add that a final outcome seems ‘closer than ever’ for the 28-year-old.

Arsenal edging closer to signing Merino

The Gunners have had a quiet transfer window and they have made just one outfield signing in Calafiori.

However, there should be more activity before the transfer deadline. A midfielder is one of the top priorities for the club and Merino could be on his way soon.

The former Newcastle United man has already agreed personal terms on a long-term deal and the onus is now on the Gunners to negotiate a suitable transfer package.

Merino has a £52 million release clause in his contract, but Sociedad are said to be eyeing around £26m as the midfielder has entered the last year of his contract.

In our view, the price is fairly reasonable for Merino, but Arsenal may look to reduce the fee up front with add-ons. It could be a matter of time before a deal is finalised.

Merino, who has been hailed as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, should be a fantastic acquisition. He won a stunning 10.2 duels per game last term alongside 6.4 recoveries, 2.4 tackles and 1.9 clearances.

The Spaniard also made 13 goal contributions. He prefers to operate from the number eight role and could be rotated with Kai Havertz in the position at Arsenal.

Stats from Sofascore.com