Arsenal make progress in talks with Real Sociedad as they hunt Merino

Arsenal have made progress in talks with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Mikel Merino.

Sporting director Edu has been in Spain to push negotiations along with the 28-year-old midfielder open to the move.

He has one year left on his contract and featured in all seven games for Spain at the Euros, scoring a decisive goal in the quarter-final against Germany before lifting the trophy after a 2-1 win in the final over Gareth Southgate's England.

The Gunners have been keen on the Spaniard after the player expressed his desire for a move.

Arsenal's interest in Merino is believed to have started before his successful international tournament as the Gunners, particularly Mikel Arteta, are keen to add strength in depth to their midfield.

The reports come after Erreala convinced their defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi to stay for the 2024-25 season.

Previously, Mail Sport reported that Zubimendi rejected several big clubs, such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

Merino — a former team-mate of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard — has experience in the Premier League from his time at Newcastle.

He later became a key player in Real Sociedad under coach Imanol Alguacil and featured in LaLiga's Team of the Season in 2022-23.

Overall, he has made 242 appearances for Erreala, playing at least 40 games per season in the last three campaigns.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Osasuna player has scored 36 goals and provided 36 assists throughout his career.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are working on exits to offset his arrival, after moving on Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham earlier this summer.

Eddie Nketiah's desire to leave the Emirates could aid a deal for Merino, with the Englishman attracting interest from Bournemouth.

Losing their attacking star Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for £65m, the Cherries are looking for a replacement after their initial bid for Porto striker Evanilson was rejected.

The Gunners are now believed to be considering a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as Aaron Ramsdale looks set for a transfer away from north London.

Garcia, 23, has played for Espanyol his whole career and could be set for the next step in joining up with last season's Premier League runners-up.

He has played 29 games for the Spanish club in total, but made just three LaLiga appearances. It's possible that Arsenal would look to buy another goalkeeper alongside Garcia were Ramsdale to leave.

Arsenal kick off their campaign on Saturday with a home fixture against Wolves.