DEAL COMPLETED: Arsenal finally Highjacked Liverpool transfer target as player is now at Emirate undergoing medical – announcement soon

FINAL DEAL: Arsenal has finally surpassed Liverpool as a transfer target; the player is currently in the United Arab Emirates for a medical examination; an announcement will be made soon.

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is concluding his transfer to Arsenal this summer, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Earlier this month, the Gunners and the Spain international came to an agreement on personal terms. Discussions on the transfer fee and modalities of payment are still underway with Sociedad. Although Merino’s contract contains a £56 million release clause, Arsenal hopes to sign him for a significantly lower sum. It would cost about £30 million to sign him.

After being left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano, Mundo Deportivo now claims that Merino is “finalising his move” to the Gunners. The 28-year-old is expected to sign with Arsenal as their third summer addition, following Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya (who is moving from loan to permanent).

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For several weeks now, Arsenal has been predicted to sign Merino, and it appears that they are close to reaching a deal. With his potent offensive and defensive abilities, the Spaniard should be a great addition to the Gunners.

Merino led all duels won in the top five leagues in Europe the previous season, and his presence in the middle of the park could help them win more games. The Euro 2024 champion has also shown promise in his tackles, recoveries, and line-clearing abilities when needed.

He made some excellent decisions in the last third as well. Merino’s strong aerial presence allows him to score goals from set pieces, but his late forward runs also provide opportunities. With his arrival, the Spaniard might contribute significantly and be a consistent starter.

In his first game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Thomas Partey had a mediocre performance. As the number six, he was guilty of giving up possession in his own half. In the future, Declan Rice might start as a centre midfielder and Merino as a holding midfielder.