OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal complete the signing of £60m superstar as Martin Ødegaard spotted this morning showing Him round the Old Trafford – Player to sign five year deal with the club today

OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal complete the signing of £60m superstar as Martin Ødegaard spotted this morning showing Him round the Old Trafford – Player to sign five year deal with the club today

Arsenal are reportedly set to make an official bid for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.

The Gunners have already completed the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in a deal worth around £42 million.

But they are also looking to reinforce their midfield and have set their sights on Merino.

The 28-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League giants but they have yet to reach an agreement with Sociedad on a transfer fee.

According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Arsenal are poised to make a formal bid for Merino soon.

The Spaniard’s current contract has a £55 million release clause but Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to negotiate a far lesser fee as his current contract expires in 2025.

Sociedad reportedly want the Gunners to match Atletico Madrid’s £30m proposal earlier this summer but the English club are understood to be aiming for even lower.

Merino would be an excellent acquisition for the North Londoners who will be bidding to challenge Manchester City once again for the Premier League title.

Standing at six feet and two inches, he mainly plays in central midfield but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder.

The Spain international has made 242 appearances across all competitions for the Basque outfit, with 27 goals and 30 assists to his name.

Merino also boasts Premier League experience having played for Newcastle United in the past.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping that they can secure the 28-year-old’s signature as soon as possible.