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Arsenal submit bid to sign Mikel Merino before deadline

By on August 20, 2024

Arsenal have reportedly submitted a formal £30m proposal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino before the end of this transfer window, as per the Spanish outlet COPE.

After narrowly missing out on winning the league title in the previous two seasons, the Gunners are looking to reinforce the squad this summer to finally win the Premier League title this season.

They have purchased Riccardo Calafiori after securing David Raya’s loan move permanent. But, Mikel Arteta’s side are also planning to sign a new midfielder and Merino has been suggested as the priority target. The North London club have been working on this deal for a few weeks but they haven’t been able to lure him to the Emirates Stadium yet.

Now, COPE states that Arsenal have launched a formal proposal worth around £26m[€30m] in guaranteed fees plus £4m[€5m] in bonuses to get the deal done but La Real have rejected it as they don’t want to sell their star man for anything less than £34m[€40m].

The report says that although there is a valuation gap between the two parties, it is a matter of time before the deal gets done and the player is ‘optimistic’ that he will be able to join the North London club before the deadline.

Merino to Arsenal

However, COPE states that if Arsenal eventually can’t manage to agree on a deal with Real Sociedad then Merino could still stay at Reale Arena this season.

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract but has decided not to renew his deal to take the next step in his career. So, although he has a £55m release clause in his current contract, Real Sociedad are open to letting him leave for a lower fee in fear of losing him for free next year.

Merino is a strong and dynamic midfielder. Additionally, he is technically sound and possesses the necessary attributes to flourish in the Premier League.

So, the Spain international would definitely be an excellent signing for the Emirates club if they eventually manage to secure his signature before the end of this transfer window.