What Arsenal will actually pay for Mikel Merino revealed after talks hit point Arteta never ‘wanted’

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Arsenal are expected to soon seal a deal to sign Mikel Merino.

The Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer saga has dragged on for many weeks now, but the deal appears to finally be nearing completion.

Mikel Arteta has been the driving force behind this transfer, even as there were doubts about Merino within the Arsenal hierarchy. 

The manager looks set to get his wish, though, and the 28-year-old ought to be a fine addition to his squad at the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrizio Romano hinted Merino will join Arsenal very soon, after he was left out of Real Sociedad’s matchday squad this weekend. All that remains is for the two clubs to settle on a final fee and sign on the dotted lines.

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How much Mikel Merino will cost Arsenal

Journalist Charles Watts, writing in his Daily Briefing, has now offered his insight into the details of this deal.

He has acknowledged that it has been a slow process in the two clubs getting to this point, as Real Sociedad have: “Been holding out to get a fee and a deal structure that works for them and that has obviously seen things drag on a bit longer than Arsenal and certainly Mikel Arteta would have wanted.

“There’s no doubt Arteta would have liked to have Merino on board earlier than this, but he has had to remain patient while discussions between the clubs have remained ongoing.”

In terms of the midfielder’s price tag, Watts added: “It looks like being around the £30million mark, which in today’s market does not seem excessive.”

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will benefit from arrival of Merino

The Euro 2024 winner is well-suited to the North London club, and what Arteta needs at this moment in time. 

Merino is a brilliant duel winner, and will add physicality to the spine of Arteta’s team. He is also comfortable on the ball, has previous Premier League experience, having had a loan stint with Newcastle United some years ago, and a pre-existing relationship with Martin Odegaard, as they were once teammates at Real Sociedad. 

Merino also ought to be an ideal partner for Declan Rice. Like the former West Ham United man, the Spaniard can operate at the base of the midfield, or in a more advanced role behind the striker. Their mutual versatility will allow them to rotate and provide cover for one another.