Real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil has confirmed that Arsenal are trying to sign midfielder Mikel Merino after he missed their opening La Liga loss to Rayo Vallecano.
While the Gunners were initially thought to be targeting a midfielder of Martin Zubimendi's profile, they quickly switched their focus from a number six to a number eight such as Merino.
The former Newcastle United man failed to make the grade in the Premier League during his time at St James' Park, but he quickly made an impression at Sociedad and was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 this summer.
With the 28-year-old now in the last 12 months of his deal, Sociedad are resigned to losing him for this summer, and it has been claimed by The Times that Arsenal are nearing an agreement over a €35m (£29.8m) deal.
There were brief fears that a deal could be in doubt, with some at Arsenal harbouring concerns about signing a player in his prime rather than a younger prospect, but a move is expected to go through before the window shuts.
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Alguacil discusses Merino Arsenal interest after La Liga loss
Merino is thought to be keen to work under Mikel Arteta in North London, where he would become their third senior signing of the summer window after David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
With negotiations at an advanced stage, Merino was nowhere to be seen in Sociedad's squad for the first weekend of the La Liga season, as Alguacil's side suffered a shock 2-1 home loss to Rayo Vallecano.
Following the defeat, Alguacil made a number of transfer admissions on a handful of key players, including Merino, whom he confirmed was in talks to join last year's Premier League runners-up.
The Sociedad boss also confirmed that Liverpool were prepared to fork out Zubimendi's release clause, only for the midfielder to reject the Reds, as well as discussing Robin Le Normand's move to Atletico Madrid.
"It's clear that there are no two players like them in the entire league. Real Sociedad will not be able to bring in a player to replace Robin and who can perform as well as Mikel Merino," Alguacil told a press conference.
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"From there, everything is different and everything changes. I'm not even going to tell you if Zubimendi accepts the offer and leaves, we're all aware of that.
"What Robin and Merino have done in recent years, that's why Arsenal want Mikel Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay the release clause to take Martín Zubimendi."
How has Arsenal target Merino performed for club and country?
Quickly establishing himself as a midfield threat in La Liga, Merino has struck 27 goals and set up 30 more in 242 matches for Alguacil's side, including eight goals and five assists in 45 matches last season.
The 6ft 2in central midfielder has also netted two goals in a Spain shirt, including a dramatic extra-time winner in their Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Germany, and he played all seven of La Roja's games at the continental championships.
Compared to other midfielders in the big five leagues over the past year, Merino ranks in the top 1% for aerial duels won, prevailing in a staggering 5.99 such battles per 90.
Ben Knapton
