Arsenal close to completing 2nd summer signing after major Wednesday night development – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are closing in on their second signing of the summer after further talks to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino were held on Wednesday night, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners have been trying to land the Spain international for many months now and are now set to complete his acquisition any moment from now.

Arsenal have had £21.5 million and £30m bids rejected, and up to £35m could be needed to get the deal over the line after major talks to get the move done took place last night.

Arsenal sporting director Edu has been in Spain to push negotiations along, while his La Real counterpart was recently in England for talks over the deal.

The Gunners have only added Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori to their team so far this summer after signing him in a £42m deal from Bologna last month.

They could do with more new faces in their bid to win the Premier League title this season, and Merino is likely to become their second signing of the window having already played his last game for the La Liga club from all indications.

The 28-year-old midfielder was left out of their matchday squad last weekend and did not train yesterday as he prepares to complete a move to join Arsenal.

The North Londoners are expected to bolster their attacking ranks after completing the move for the Spanish midfielder, and Nigeria international duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been recently linked.

The Gunners are reportedly back in the race for Napoli striker amid claims he could be snapped up for £85m, and the sporting director of the Serie A club, Giovanni Manna, is currently in London trying to close some deals.

Arsenal are also said to be willing to table £42.6m and Jakub Kiwior in exchange for the services of his Atalanta counterpart, and fans will hope one more quality forward is signed in the coming days.