Arsenal have reached a deal in principle to sign Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for up to £32.6 million. The agreement includes an initial fee of £28.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons.
The 28-year-old Merino, who has less than a year remaining on his contract with the La Liga club, was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, appearing in all seven matches and scoring a decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-final.
Merino will be Arsenal’s third signing of the transfer window, following the acquisitions of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain goalkeeper David Raya. Arsenal have also exercised the option to make Raya’s move from Brentford permanent.
The midfielder, known for his ability to play a deeper role, is expected to complement Declan Rice, who played a ‘box-to-box’ role at times during the previous season. Merino will provide Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with additional options in midfield, competing with Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Merino previously spent a year in the Premier League with Newcastle before joining Real Sociedad in 2018. He played alongside Odegaard during the 2019-20 season when Odegaard was on loan from Real Madrid.
With 28 caps for Spain, Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals.
