Arsenal one step away from signing Spanish star

Arsenal are one step away from signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with the Spaniard and they are now on the verge of landing his services.

The Spanish outlet claim that Merino has been left out of Sociedad's friendly against Union Berlin to sort out a transfer.

It is added that the midfielder is waiting for the Gunners to finalise a fee.

Sociedad value him in the region of €25-30m, but Arsenal are likely to negotiate a lesser sum up front with add-ons.

Merino would be a quality signing for the Gunners. The 28-year-old is a central midfielder who can also play defensively.

The Spaniard won a stunning 10.2 duels per game last season. His aerial presence and creativity are among his main strengths.

The former Newcastle United man is set to become Arsenal's third signing of the transfer window after Riccardo Calafiori.