Arsenal completes negotiations, prepares to officially announce Mikel Merino deal, the second “blockbuster” transfer of the summer of 2024.

After launching the contract of Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal is preparing to welcome the second new player, Mikel Merino.

Relevo reported that the London club and Real Sociedad reached an agreement worth 30 million euros, plus payment options.

Expert Fabrizio Romano also revealed that Arsenal and Mikel Merino have found common ground on personal terms.

Mikel Merino, after helping Spain lift the EURO 2024 title, decided to leave Sociedad to seek new experiences.

The 28-year-old midfielder is Arsenal’s favorite target. Mikel Arteta has been in contact with him for a year now.

Barcelona and Atletico are also interested in Merino. However, the Basque midfielder is convinced by the football that his compatriot Arteta is deploying at the Emirates.

Merino’s arrival is expected to bring diversity to Arsenal’s midfield, in terms of passing and ball control.

In Arteta’s idea, Arsenal will deploy a style of play based on the trio of Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.

For their part, Sociedad are negotiating with PSG to recruit Carlos Soler, an alternative to Mikel Merino.