Arsenal leading Chelsea in race to sign Spanish star

Arsenal have moved into pole position to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer, according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

The Gunners are aiming to bolster their midfield department and they have identified Merino as one of their priority targets for the same.

Merino is also on the radar of Chelsea and Barcelona, but NdG claim that the Gunners are best placed to sign the former Newcastle man.

The 28-year-old has identified the Gunners as his best destination due to the playing style and sporting project under manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are yet to open talks with Sociedad to sign him, but they could do so once they secure the signature of Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners have agreed a deal with Bologna for the defender and they are currently waiting for the Italian club to sort sell-on terms with Basel.

The Serie A outfit are supposed to pay 50 percent of the €40m fee to Basel, but they are looking to do the same with a long-term payment plan.