Mikel Merino transfer fee revealed as former Newcastle flop edges closer to shock Arsenal transfer
ARSENAL could finally land Mikel Merino – for £30million.
And if the Real Sociedad midfielder does come in, it might spark an EIGHTH departure from the Emirates this summer.
Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino might be close to joining ArsenalGetty
GettyThomas Partey, right, pictured alongside fellow Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, is at the centre of more transfer speculation[/caption]
The Gunners are reportedly in advanced talks over recruiting Merino, who was a stylish bit-part player in Spain’s Euro 2024 glory.
Now The Times claim a £29.8m fee has been agreed for the 28-year-old.
Merino’s club and country team-mate Martin Zubimendi has been a longer-term target for Arsenal.
But although Liverpool are also being linked with the anchorman, the 25-year-old insists he is happy to stay at Sociedad.
It’s reckoned Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta is considering bringing in Merino as his only summer recruit in midfield.
And should the former Newcastle misfit put pen to paper, then Thomas Partey might finally be on his way out of the Emirates.
The injury-hit Ghanaian, 31, arrived at Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
But he was rarely a regular over the past two seasons as the Gunners twice finished as Premier League runners-up.
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Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.
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England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny, Cedric Soares and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo have left the Gunners permanently in the current transfer window.
Meanwhile, Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Karl Hein have exited on loan.
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Arsenal’s only newcomer is £42m versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
The 22-year-old shone at the Euros for Italy.
Merino would be the marquee recruit Gunners’ fans must be craving.
But the player himself has been cagey over his future.
He said during Euro 2024: “Now at a football level I still have one more year at Real and I am in the best possible place to live and grow.”
Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
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Arsenal have a tricky start to the season
