Ed Aarons reports for The Guardian that Arsenal are expected to return with a new offer for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in the coming days, with formal transfer talks now open.
Aarons adds that there is understood to be recognition that it may take some time to wrap up a deal, with the new Premier League campaign starting this weekend.
According to Aarons, Arsenal made a first formal bid worth €25m (£21.4m), but Sociedad are holding out for a fee of around €35m (£30m). That’s a fairly substantial gap, but it doesn’t seem impossible the two clubs could reach a compromise.
Alex Howell of BBC Sport confirms that talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Real Sociedad.
David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed this week that Arsenal were stepping up efforts to sign Merino, with talks ongoing and Edu Gaspar travelling to Spain to pursue an agreement.
Ornstein added that Arsenal were confident of a positive resolution, with Merino himself keen to join and personal terms not thought to be an issue.
Sociedad have offered Merino a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 12 months, but his representatives have made it clear that the player’s intention is to join Arsenal.
Merino made 45 appearances for Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and assisting a further five. He then joined up with Spain on international duty, featuring throughout Euro 2024 as his team ended up winning the trophy.