Several weeks ago, FC Barcelona was very interested in Mikel Merino to strengthen the central midfield area. The midfielder was waiting for the Catalan institution to finalize the departure of some of its players, but time passed and the necessary 'exit operation' did not have major movements as it is having now. Initially, various sources agreed that Frenkie de Jong was the player who had to leave Barcelona to facilitate the arrival of the player from Pamplona. Meanwhile, during those days, the Blaugrana entity became more focused primarily on the priority signings of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.
Faced with this passivity from the Barça team to make any move for the former Osasuna player, the team that has ended up gaining more strength in the 'race' to secure the services of the '6' from the Spanish national team. In fact, apparently the 'Gunners' and Real Sociedad had reached an agreement for the transfer of Mikel Merino.
According to 'Mundo Deportivo', the agreement is not yet official, but it would be completely closed. The 'txuri-urdin' squad could have finalized the operation after their president, Jokin Aperribay, traveled to London earlier this week. The executive was responsible for agreeing on the conditions and terms of the negotiation for the talented midfielder.
Details of the agreement for Mikel Merino
A few days ago, the London club offered to pay 30 million euros plus five in variables, but the Basque club refused to accept the proposal. Subsequently, the maximum authority of the Guipuzcoan entity traveled to England to ask for 35 million euros plus five in variables for the midfielder. Arsenal rejected the amount demanded, although in the end, both clubs seem to have reached an agreement that will benefit both parties.
Merino had a contract with Real Sociedad until June 30, 2025, with a release clause of 65 million euros. Now, the 'Gunners' will have to pay 33.5 million euros plus five in variables for the player. Additionally, Osasuna will receive almost a million, while another part will go to Newcastle and Dortmund for training rights.
The midfielder trained alone
Mikel trained alone on Thursday in the gym at Zubieta. The coach of Real Sociedad, Imanol Alguacil, agreed that the session be conducted in this manner, as he was aware that the signing was about to be finalized. In fact, the coach did not include him in the match against Rayo Vallecano (1-2) as part of the debut in LaLiga EA Sports 2024/25.
On the other hand, three weeks ago, the Guipuzcoan entity signed Luka Sučić after paying around 10 million euros to RB Salzburg. The Croatian was chosen to replace the one from Pamplona. Now, Mikel Merino is getting ready to showcase his potential wearing the 'Gunners' jersey, although his debut could be delayed due to some muscle problems. In any case, the midfielder is ready to travel to London and undergo a medical examination to finalize his transfer to the London club.