£25m star rips up contract offer, he only wants to join Arsenal this summer

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Arsenal target Mikel Merino has turned down Real Sociedad’s offer of a new contract.

The Gunners are pushing to get a deal over the line for the 28-year-old midfielder after wrapping up the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

Mikel Merino‘s current deal with Real Sociedad is set to expire in 2025 but the La Liga side offered him a new contract amid interest in him this summer.

However, HITC can reveal that Merino has rejected the offer of a new contract and confirmed to Sociedad that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal initially made Merino’s midfield partner at Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi, their top target – but they have now pivoted towards signing Merino.

The Gunners also had an interest in Joao Neves and Douglas Luiz, but with the duo moving elsewhere this summer they are now progressing in talks for Merino.

Mikel Merino accepts Arsenal contract terms

Arsenal are pushing for a deal and personal terms are no issue for Merino, who wants to move to London this summer.

HITC is told that Merino’s camp have been in talks with Arsenal this week and that a four-year contract has been agreed in principle.

Negotiations are now ongoing between the two clubs over a fee.

Sociedad are open to selling Merino this summer as they do not want to lose him for free next summer, but they are holding out for a £25million fee for the former Newcastle United man.

HITC revealed earlier this month that Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen had also held talks over Merino, but the Spanish international has his heart set on a move to Arsenal.

READ MORE: Agent of ‘fantastic’ Arsenal star urged to consider transfer U-turn over £50m move

It is understood that Mikel Arteta played a role in Arsenal’s move for Merino with reports that he contacted the midfielder over the move.

If terms are agreed, Merino is set to become Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after they made David Raya’s stay permanent and struck a £42million fee for Calafiori.