Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Merino 'on brink' of completing Premier League switch

The Gunners have already bolstered their squad in the defensive third, having recruited goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Raya converted his loan move from Brentford into a permanent deal, before Calafiori arrived from Bologna in a £42m deal.

Arsenal soon turned their focus to bolstering their midfield options and swiftly identified Merino as one of their main targets.

A recent report claimed that Arsenal had made a breakthrough in negotiations with Real Sociedad and had reached an agreement to sign him for €32m (£27.2m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.

Arsenal on brink of completing Merino deal

The agreement between the two clubs paved the way for Merino to travel to London to finalise his move to the Emirates Stadium.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Spain international has completed his medial ahead of the proposed transfer.

The update claims that the two clubs are now exchanging the necessary paperwork before Merino can be unveiled as the latest addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.

The Euro 2024 winner will put pen to paper on a four-year contract until June 2028, with an option to extend by a further year.

Merino set to end successful Real Sociedad stay

Merino is now on the brink of ending his six-year stay with Real Sociedad, where he has been given the chance to showcase his credentials as a top midfielder following an underwhelming spell with Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old has made 242 competitive appearances during his time with La Real, contributing 27 goals and 30 assists.

Merino helped the Basque club win the Copa del Rey in 2019-20 and achieve Champions League qualification in 2022-23.

The midfielder has also broken into the Spain setup during his time with Real Sociedad, having made 28 appearances for his national side.

Having enjoyed success with Real Sociedad, Merino will now be looking to establish himself in Arteta's side, and he will be targeting a spot in the midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.