HERE WE GO: £30M midfielder has finally agreed to lower His salary to join Arteta side Arsenal,He is set to be Arteta second summer signing – medical team on standby to welcome Him

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly won over Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who could join the Gunners for around £21 million this summer, according to reports.

Merino began his career at Osasuna before being signed by Borussia Dortmund for approximately £3.5 million in 2016. Despite only making nine appearances for Dortmund, Merino moved to Newcastle on a season-long loan in July 2017. The move was made permanent for a fee of about £6 million a year later, but Merino was only a Newcastle player for 11 days before joining Real Sociedad for a slight profit.

During his time at Newcastle, Merino impressed the fans at St. James’ Park. Over six years at Real Sociedad, the 28-year-old has developed into a talented player, making 242 appearances for the Spanish club. He has also become a regular for the Spanish national team, making his debut in September 2020 and representing Spain at the Summer Olympics in 2021. Merino now has 23 caps for his country and has played in both of Spain’s Euro 2024 matches, coming off the bench against Croatia and Italy.

Despite facing competition from Manchester United, who were linked with Merino in March, Arsenal now appears to be in a strong position to sign the 28-year-old midfielder. According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), Barcelona is also interested but Arsenal is leading the race.

With Merino’s contract set to expire next year and his reluctance to sign an extension, Real Sociedad believes a transfer for around €25 million (£21.1 million) is likely. Arteta is said to be driving Arsenal’s interest in Merino, believing he has an advantage over Barcelona due to their financial constraints. Arteta has reportedly called Merino to explain his ambitious plans for him at Arsenal, which has convinced the Spain international to consider a move to the Premier League.

A £21.1 million transfer is considered affordable for Arsenal and suggests that Thomas Partey might leave the club this summer. Partey, like Merino, is out of contract in 2025, and due to his injury issues, Arsenal is open to offers to avoid losing him for nothing next year. A move to Saudi Arabia seems likely for Partey, with clubs from the Middle East showing interest last summer.

In addition to Merino, Arsenal is also interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has caught Arteta’s eye.