Mikel Merino close to Arsenal agreement

Arsenal's pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is close to an agreement, after the Gunners reportedly had a third offer approved with one or two terms to agree before a transfer can commence. Merino has been left out of Sociedad's squads in preparation for a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's transfer business will likely be complete should former Newcastle United mdifielder Merino make the move to North London, and the Gunners will pay around £20 million for a player who has just one year remaining on his deal.

The Gunners have looked to add quality this summer and have a hole to fill after Emile Smith-Rowe departed for Fulham.

Jokin Aperribay, the Sociedad president, said of Merino's move to Arsenal: "We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of Real Sociedad. When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes."

"We know what Merino's wishes are, so we decided not to call him up."