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Arsenal are close to completing a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino as the Gunners look to strengthen in midfield ahead of the new season.
The Gunners are in advanced talks with the Basque club over a deal for the Spain international, according to The Times and are close to agreeing a £29.8m transfer fee. The midfielder has already reached a personal agreement with the club over a contract.
Merino has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Sociedad and had been linked with a move to north London throughout the summer window.
Merino close to the Gunners
The Euro 2024 winner was also a target for Barcelona, but his future appears to lie in England.
The 28-year-old spent one season in the Premier League with Newcastle, having initially joined on loan from Borussia Dortmund before making the move permanent. A year later, he opted to leave St James’ Park in order to return to Spain to join Sociedad in 2018.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
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