Arsenal close to Mikel Merino agreement, Real Sociedad will sign long-term Arteta target to replace him

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Arsenal are closing in on the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with an agreement between the clubs now imminent.

Merino is seen as the ideal player to join Mikel Arteta’s midfield this summer, and he has turned down interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to join the Gunners.

Arsenal have now agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old, and a formal offer has now been made, with a deal expected to be agreed soon.

Real Sociedad have also found their replacement, and it is a player Arteta tried to bring to Arsenal two years ago.

Arsenal close in on Mikel Merino, Real Sociedad to sign Carlos Soler to replace him

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal for Merino, whilst Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler will replace him at La Real.

“Arsenal are closing in on Mikel Merino deal as verbal agreement is now getting closer! Agreement in place on personal terms as Merino wants the move. Verbal discussions with Real Sociedad for package in excess of €30m, talks on to get the deal done,” he posted on X.

The €30m total package equates to £25.2m for Merino, a bargain for a player of his quality and experience.

“Real Sociedad are in advanced talks to sign Carlos Soler from Paris Saint Germain. He’s the replacement wanted for Mikel Merino, expected to join Arsenal if all goes to plan. Soler, also in talks with Real Sociedad over personal terms,” Romano stated.

Arsenal tried to sign Carlos Soler in 2022

Soler will now return to La Liga to replace the Arsenal-bound Merino, but it could have been him lining up at the Emirates instead.

When the Spaniard was at Valencia, Arsenal agreed a deal to sign Soler in 2022, with the midfielder agreeing personal terms, but Valencia changed their price and the deal collapsed.

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Soler went to PSG a year later, but is now moving to Real Sociedad. Merino will head to the Emirates to link up with former teammate Martin Odegaard, with the pair excelling in midfield together in Spain in their younger years, and will rekindle their strong partnership again.