When Arsenal want Mikel Merino deal done, Mikel Arteta has made his demands clear

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Arsenal are advancing in talks for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer.

Arsenal have only made one first-team signing this summer with the Gunners signing Riccardo Calafiori last month from Bologna.

A new midfielder is also of interest to the Gunners and HITC has reported that Arsenal are keen on Mikel Merino with the Spanish midfielder turning down Real Sociedad’s contract as he only wants a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Liverpool are advancing in talks to sign Martin Zubimendi from Sociedad but this deal is understood to not affect Arsenal’s move for Merino.

Merino asks Sociedad to let him join Arsenal

HITC understands that Merino and his representatives have asked Sociedad not to price him out of a move to Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal are looking at a deal worth around £25 million but as yet Sociedad are yet to agree to the terms of the deal that would allow the former Newcastle United midfielder to return to the Premier League.

HITC has been told that talks between Merino’s camp and Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay have also taken place in the hope that he will sanction a deal.

Merino had been left out of Sociedad’s squad for a pre-season friendly, which led to a stir from Arsenal fans that a deal could be close but the Spanish midfielder has reportedly suffered an injury.

Sales were key for Arsenal before moving to Merino and this has now happened with Emile Smith Rowe moving to Fulham for £34 million.

Arsenal’s confidence that deal will be done this weekend

Sources have told HITC that there is a ‘quiet confidence’ from those within the Emirates Stadium that a deal for Merino could be completed this weekend.

Mikel Arteta, who believes Merino is the perfect midfield option for Arsenal, is understood to want Merino signed and available by next weekend as the Gunners take on Wolves in their first game of the Premier League season.

As mentioned, HITC has been told that whether Liverpool strike a deal or not for Martin Zubimendi – that will not impact on Merino, and vice and versa.

After Arsenal made a move for Zubimendi earlier this summer, the Spaniard never agreed to a move to the Emirates Stadium with the midfielder wanting to remain in Spain but this may longer be the case.