WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta is closing in on his next summer signing, with Real Sociedad’s Merino set to join the north Londoners, according to Relevo. Arsenal have agreed a fee of €30m (£25m/$32m) plus add-ons for the midfielder and an official announcement is expected in the coming days.

The report continues that Real Sociedad have quickly found a replacement for Merino, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Carlos Soler having struggled to make an impact after two seasons in France.

PANORAMA

The signing of Merino represents a successful piece of business for the Gunners. Signing a European champion in his prime for €30m is a great move, with Arsenal benefiting from the Spaniard having less than a year left on his Real Sociedad contract. Capable of playing as a No.6 or No.8, he could partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard – his former Reale Arena team-mate – in midfield.

DO YOU KNOW?

At 6ft 1in, Arsenal are adding a physical threat to their squad. In fact, Merino won more aerial duels (168) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues last season. He will follow in Arteta’s footsteps by playing for both La Real and Arsenal.

THE FUTURE OF ARSENAL?

Merino looks set to join David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori among Arsenal’s summer signings, but their fans are still keen to see a new striker brought in as the Gunners attempt to dethrone Manchester City from the Premier League throne.