Arsenal are close to signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad after additional talks on Wednesday night.

The Gunners have been pursuing Merino, 28, all summer and had an initial £21.5 million bid rejected.

Merino, a former Newcastle player, scored the winning goal in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Germany, securing their Euro 2024 championship.

Over the last six years, the Real Sociedad star has 242 appearances for the Basque club, as well as 28 caps for La Roja.

According to Mail Sport, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has been in Spain to expedite discussions with the 28-year-old.

Arsenal are closing close on Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino following additional talks on Wednesday.

 

28-year-old midfielder Merino was part of the Spain squad who won Euro 2024 this summer

Merino has been a primary target throughout the summer for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Merino, who has one year left on his contract, was removed from Real Sociedad’s squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Sociedad president Imanol Alguacil stated that this was ‘the right answer’ amid transfer speculation.

If a deal is done, Merino will become Arsenal’s second signing of the window, following the £42 million acquisition of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last month.

The Merino deal’s progress comes as Arsenal is on the verge of selling Eddie Nketiah to Nottingham Forest for £30 million.

Arsenal’s youth graduate has scored 38 goals in 168 outings for the club. According to Mail Sport, Arsenal rejected Forest’s initial £25 million bid.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is reportedly closing in on a £30 million move to Nottingham Forest.

The striker was permitted to depart the Emirates after sliding down the pecking order, and his move to Marseille fell through earlier this summer after the French club refused to pay Arsenal’s asking price.

Charlie Patino, a Gunners midfielder, has agreed to join Deportivo La Coruna for £1 million plus a sell-on clause.