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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal in talks to sign Merino</li><li>Sociedad president travelled to London</li><li>Midfielder expected to make £30m move</li></ul>

Mikel Merino's Arsenal transfer edges ever closer as Real Sociedad chief takes telling step towards completing deal

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The Gunners and Sociedad have been in talks over a deal for the Spain international throughout the summer, but the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-in-advanced-talks-for-mikel-merino-as-gunners-close-in-on-gbp30m-transfer-real-sociedad-star/blta3d858eee055cb60" target="_blank">negotiations gained steam over the last week</a>. The Gunners appear to have been handed another significant boost as <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-merino-transfer-real-sociedad-33513226" target="_blank">The Mirror</a> reports that Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has travelled to London to wrap up the transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sociedad indicated that Merino's departure was imminent last week when they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-move-incoming-mikel-merino-real-sociedad-squad-la-liga-opener-arsenal-transfer/blt40fb1950d71bf27d" target="_blank">left the Euro 2024 winner out of their matchday squad for their opening La Liga game of the season </a>against Rayo Vallecano - which they lost 2-1.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sociedad chief Aperribay further indicated that the Basque club would be willing to let the 28-year-old leave for the right price, suggesting that the player has made it clear that he wants to go, saying: "We know what Merino's wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [for Sunday's game]."

DID YOU KNOW?

Merino will hope that Arsenal and Sociedad can come to an agreement soon so that he can join up with Mikel Arteta's side and prepare to start the next chapter of his career. The Gunners are in action again on Saturday, facing Aston Villa in the Premier League.

WHAT NEXT FOR MERINO?

Mikel Merino's Arsenal transfer edges ever closer as Real Sociedad chief takes telling step towards completing deal | Goal.com

Arsenal are moving closer to completing the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £30 million ($39m).

Mikel Merino&apos;s Arsenal transfer edges ever closer as Real Sociedad chief takes telling step towards completing deal