‘Key player in the center of the midfield to win the EPL’
After narrowly missing out on the English Premier League (EPL) title for the second consecutive season, Arsenal are poised to complete a major signing shortly after the start of the season. The Gunners have reached a basic agreement with Real Sociedad on the transfer of Mikel Merino, a specialist midfielder who will provide a much-needed boost to the midfield. All that remains is to finalize the details and the squad will be complete.
“Arsenal have agreed a fee to sign the world-class midfielder,” British outlet TBR Football reported on Sunday (ET). ‘Arsenal and Real Sociedad have reached a general agreement on the transfer of Merino,’ the outlet added, citing a YouTube broadcast by European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Spanish midfielder is considered world-class. With a sharp left-footed kick, precise passing, and excellent ball control, he has been compared to rival Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. Arteta was keen to sign Merino as he looks to leapfrog City, who have been denied a second consecutive league title, especially as Merino has EPL experience from his time at Newcastle United.
Although he was hampered by injuries at Newcastle, he returned to Real Sociedad to complete his prime.
Since the 2018-2019 season, he’s been Real Sociedad’s ace, playing at least 25 games every season. Last season, he made 32 appearances, 카지노사이트 scoring five goals and providing three assists, most notably as part of the Spanish national team that won Euro 2024 after the season.
The Gunners have been in constant contact with Real Sociedad in their pursuit of Merino, and despite signing David Luiz and Ricardo Calafiori in the summer transfer window, they’re still looking for the final piece of the puzzle to win the title.
‘Arsenal have been in talks for Merino for a few weeks now,’ Romano said on his YouTube channel. Arsenal’s first bid was rejected, but the Gunners renegotiated the terms and finally reached a basic agreement on the transfer fee.
However, the deal is not 100% done yet. “The deal is not complete as the two clubs are still negotiating the payment method and further options,” Romano added. However, with the basic outline of the transfer fee agreed upon, the two clubs are likely to proceed positively. It is likely that Merino will officially join Arsenal by the end of the week. With Merino’s arrival, the Gunners will be able to strengthen their midfield and challenge for the EPL title again. After narrowly missing out on the EPL title twice, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can lift the trophy on their third attempt.