Arsenal told asking price to sign Merino before deadline | OneFootball

Arsenal are aiming to sign a new central midfielder before the transfer window closes next week.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino is the number one priority but they are yet to find a suitable agreement with the La Liga outfit.

COPE claims the Gunners recently made an offer of £30 million plus add-ons, but the proposal was rejected. Sociedad want more than £34m.

Mundo Deportivo says Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has travelled to the English capital to finalise Merino’s transfer to Arsenal.

His intention is to get around £34m for the sale of the Spain international. Sociedad would be willing to accept payments in the form of instalments.

Arsenal are yet to meet the request, but there is a belief they can be talked into a deal.

Arsenal could finalise an agreement for Merino this week

The Merino transfer saga has dragged for a month without a proper resolution.

The ‘world-class‘ star wants to move to the Gunners this summer. He has already agreed personal terms over a transfer after turning down Atletico Madrid.

With a year left on his contract, Arsenal were probably eyeing a bargain deal for the Spaniard, who has a release clause worth £56 million in his deal.

However, they are being made to pay much more by Sociedad, considering Merino has been one of the undisputed starters for the La Liga outfit over the past six years.

Hopefully, Arsenal can sort out an agreement this week with Aperribay in London. This is required for the club to concentrate on the purchase of a forward before the deadline.

The club will pursue an attacker if Eddie Nketiah leaves.