Edu in Spain to complete Arsenal signing of Mikel Merino – Ornstein

Arsenal director Edu has travelled to Spain to complete the signing of Mikel Merino, according to David Ornstein.

The Gunners remain locked in negotiations with Real Sociedad for midfield star Merino. Manager Mikel Arteta has asked for a midfield reinforcement and has found an ideal target at his former stomping ground in San Sebastian.

FootballTransfers has been exclusively reporting on the Merino to Arsenal saga, which has now dragged on for some time, from the jump. As we revealed, an agreement on personal terms is already in place and has been for several weeks.

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The 28-year-old is keen on the move and his representatives have informed that he has no intention of extending his expiring deal in the Basque Country. However, talks between the two clubs have been slow to progress.

Arsenal have thus far refrained from tabling a formal offer for the midfielder, but this could soon change.

Edu travels to Spain

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Gunners chief Edu has now travelled to Spain to personally try to strike a deal with his Real Sociedad counterparts.

Ornstein reports that Arsenal are ‘stepping up’ their pursuit of Merino and are confident of eventually being able to secure the player’s signature. There is an interesting detail mentioned, however.

The journalist claims that Arsenal will still have to complete an outgoing at some point this window, either before or after signing Merino, to seemingly be in a secure position regarding financial regulations.

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Despite the club-record sale of Emile Smith Rowe for up to €40m (€32m guaranteed), the Gunners will have to offload someone else after signing David Raya permanently and Riccardo Calafiori for a combined €76.9m.

The most likely candidate to depart remains Eddie Nketiah despite his move to Olympique de Marseille falling through. Bournemouth are now credited with a strong interest in the 25-year-old after selling Dominic Solanke to Tottenham.