Arsenal heavyweights travel to Spain to settle long Mikel Merino talks – could hinge on exit

Arsenal are still in talks for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with a solution expected between the three clubs. The Gunners remain confident of striking a deal.

Merino, 27, has just one year left on his deal this summer, and is neglecting to sign a new contract. Despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, ​​Merino has agreed terms with Arsenal, and has told Txuri-Urdin that he wants to join Arsenal.

The Athletic report that Arsenal's Sporting Director Edu has been in Spain this week to negotiate with La Real. They are optimistic about reaching an agreement, but it is noted that Arsenal may want to seal an exit before pulling the trigger on a deal. That was the case with Riccardo Calafiori, for whom a deal was only agreed once Emile Smith-Rowe's move to Fulham was in the pipeline. Eddie Nketiah's move to Olympique Marseille appears to have failed, but he is expected to leave, and Bournemouth have shown an interest.