How the Spanish press have reacted to Arsenal agreeing Mikel Merino deal with Real Sociedad

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The Spanish press have been reacting as Arsenal have finally clinched a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Arsenal have made one key addition in the form of Riccardo Calafiori this summer with the Italian defender set to play a key role for the Gunners as they aim to win their first league title since 2005.

HITC has reported that Arsenal have agreed terms with Espanyol for the signing of Joan Garcia but Aaron Ramsdale is holding up the move due to his desire to leave the club.

A new midfielder was also desired and we confirmed yesterday that Arsenal have finally struck an agreement with Real Sociedad for Spaniard Mikel Merino.

Spanish press react as Arsenal agree terms

HITC can reveal that Sociedad threatened to walk away from talks on Wednesday if Arsenal did not come up from their offer of €35million (£30 million) overall.

Now sources have confirmed that Arsenal’s new offer of €38.5milion (£32.6million) has been accepted by Real, who have come down from their asking price of €40million.

Merino’s impending move to Arsenal will be celebrated by Real Sociedad, as they secure a ‘historic’ price for the midfielder.

That’s according to Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco, who claim that the sale of Merino to the Emirates Stadium will be one of the biggest in the Spanish side’s history.

The newspaper states that Sociedad have one again ‘starred in a historic sale’ with the deal they’ve agreed to sell Merino to Arsenal.

Merino shone at Euro 2024 and HITC reported Arsenal’s interest in the midfielder back in July and a deal is now finally close to completion.

Merino will offer something different for Arsenal

Last season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal relied on a plethora of options, including trialing Kai Havertz as a midfielder before eventually deciding the German was better suited to the number 9 role.

Arteta was understood to be a fan of Merino and believes he will be a perfect fit for the Gunners due to his physicality and his ability on the ball for the Gunners.

For just £32 million, it appears Arsenal could have got a bargain, whilst Sociedad are delighted about receiving that amount of money for the midfielder, it appears the deal is a win-win for both sides.