HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally won the transfer battle over Chelsea to land 23yr old world class player who destroyed pep Guardiola team last season,player medical done as Arteta set to welcome His new signing today

UP NEXT: Arsenal has finally defeated Chelsea in the transfer window to acquire a world-class 23-year-old who completely wrecked Pep Guardiola’s squad last season. The player has had a physical, and Arteta is expected to greet his new addition today.

By the end of Thursday, Arsenal might have completed the signing of their top midfield target, according to Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo.

Real Sociedad and the Gunners have been in talks for midfielder Mikel Merino, but they have not yet come to a definitive deal.

The La Liga team rejected a recent bid from Mikel Arteta’s team that was valued at £30 million with add-ons.

In an effort to expedite negotiations, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has subsequently flown to London. He is hoping to get a long-term payment plan and at least £35 million.

Amidst talks, Merino was absent from Sociedad’s morning training session today.

There are rumours that a deal is nearly achieved and might be struck today or tomorrow.

Arsenal may be able to sign Merino this week.
Merino was recently left out of Sociedad’s La Liga opening against Rayo Vallecano, despite having formally agreed to terms on a long-term contract with the Gunners.

Arsenal and Sociedad have been unable to agree on a price despite the go-ahead, with the latter party clearly wanting to obtain the maximum transfer cost for Merino.

The 28-year-old, whose contract includes a £56 million release clause, has been the Basque team’s main man in the middle of the field.

In the Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against Germany, he recently scored the game-winning goal for Spain.

After his heroics for La Roja, his reputation has undoubtedly increased. A premium price will now probably be paid by the Gunners, given that his contract expires in June of the following year.

Despite Kieran Tierney calling Merino “world-class,” Merino’s strong defensive qualities could make him a useful addition for the Gunners.

With 13 goal contributions for Sociedad in the final third, the Spaniard was effective in the last third of the competition and won the most duels among the top five leagues in Europe last season.