Real Sociedad’s manager has shared the details of his final conversation with Mikel Merino before the midfielder makes his move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have reached an agreement with the La Liga side, settling on a fee that could rise to £32.6 million with add-ons to secure the Spanish international’s transfer to north London.
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Merino is reportedly on his way to the English capital today to undergo a medical and finalize a four-year contract, which includes an option to extend it until 2029.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino, a member of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, has been one of the longest-running transfer stories of the window……
Continue readingHowever, the 28-year-old was finally seen gathering his belongings and bidding farewell to his teammates and staff at Sociedad, where he spent six years.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil emphasized that there are no hard feelings between him and Merino, wishing the player well as he embarks on his Premier League journey.
‘I told him thank you. I am happy because as Real coach I want farewells like this,’ Alguacil said, according to news outlet El Diario Vasco.
Alguacil praised Merino’s contribution to Real Sociedad & referenced how pleased the team is to bring in its fourth highest ever transfer fee for a player.
He added: ‘A boy who came at 22, still without making his mark, and has given us six impressive years.
‘An example for all the Real players, who leaves money and feels Real. ‘We want signings like this. Also, I am proud that Merino is taking this important step of going to Arsenal.’
Merino arrives with a wealth of experience and a strong competitive edge, having won more duels (326) than any other player in the top five European leagues last season, according to Opta.
After progressing through the youth system at Osasuna, Merino had short stints at Borussia Dortmund and in the Premier League with Newcastle United during the 2017-18 season.
Real Sociedad brought Merino on board in the summer of 2018, where he made 242 appearances across all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 30 assists.
He won’t be registered in time to feature in Arsenal’s squad for their match against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
However, Merino might be in line for the game against Brighton at Emirates Stadium the following weekend, depending on whether Mikel Arteta opts to gradually integrate him, similar to how he handled the arrival of fellow new signing Riccardo Calafiori.
In other Arsenal transfer news, striker Eddie Nketiah has agreed to personal terms for a £30 million move to Nottingham Forest, while many believe Arteta still needs to bring in an attacking player before the transfer window closes in a week.
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