At least, in the deal that took Mikel Merino to Arsenal this week, Real Sociedad had some semblance of control.
Yes, the Spain international would have to be sold for a slightly knock-down fee with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025. But, still, Real Sociedad did not have to worry about Arsenal triggering a release clause and snatching Mikel Merino without the La Liga outfit being able to do anything about it.
After weeks of negotiations, The Gunners finally agreed a deal in the region of £32 million.
Merino, a member of Spain’s European Championship winning squad and one of the most complete midfield talents on the market, officially joined Arsenal on Monday. The one-time Newcastle United starlet could make his (second) Premier League debut this weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion.
But Merino might not be the only player to arrive at Arsenal from Spain before the window closes on Friday night.
Arsenal agree terms with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia
HITC understands that Arsenal have agreed terms with Joan Garcia too. The Espanyol goalkeeper has been lined up as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, one his way to Southampton after Feyenoord glovesman Justin Bijlow failed his Saints medical.
Unlike Merino, Garcia does have a release clause in his own contract.
And Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez admits that Los Periquitos would be powerless to prevent Garcia from following in Merino’s footsteps if Arsenal stump up the £25 million fee required.
“I can’t do anything. If they pay the clause, we can’t do anything,” Gonzalez told Marca after Garcia kept a clean sheet on what might have been a farewell outing in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid.
“I’m very happy that he’s here. It’s a luxury to have a player like him.”
Gonzalez remains confident, however, that the Spain Under 21 international will not be an Arsenal player by the weekend. With personal terms already agreed, however, the coach’s confidence may be misplaced.
“I say it every week, I don’t think he’ll leave. If I eat (my words), I’ll eat (my words). But it’s difficult for someone to pay a 30 million (euro) clause,” Gonzalez adds. “If someone wants him, they should pay the clause.
“I can’t say any more.”
Gunners could sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have now submitted their first offer to Espanyol.
The Gunners are yet to trigger his clause, however, instead offering £17 million. Espanyol are highly unlikely to accept, in the knowledge that they could yet bring in a further £8 million before tomorrow’s deadline.
The Athletic believe that Arsenal have identified another potential back-up goalkeeper in Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle.
“He is a very good goalkeeper. I am calm when he plays,” Gonzalez told Mundo Deportivo a few days ago of 23-year-old Joan Garcia, a gold medal winner at the Paris Olympics and integral to Espanyol’s promotion campaign in 2023/24.
“I don’t know about the transfer market, although I hope he doesn’t leave. What the club tells me is that he should not leave unless a club comes (in with an offer) and nothing can be done.
“He is a great goalkeeper.”
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