‘DONE DEAL”- Fabrizio Romano confirms transfer move for Newcastle United nearly man
Arsenal is on the verge of completing the signing of former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with reports indicating that the deal is nearing its final stages. This acquisition could prove to be a significant coup for the Gunners as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Mikel Merino, who first made his mark in English football with Newcastle United, has since developed into one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. The Spanish international initially arrived at Newcastle in the summer of 2017 under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez, who was eager to add youthful energy and creativity to the Magpies’ midfield. Merino quickly made a positive impression at St. James’ Park, with his technical skills and footballing intelligence standing out in the early months of his Premier League career.
However, Merino’s promising start at Newcastle was abruptly halted by a back injury, which sidelined him for a significant period. During his absence, the midfield partnership of Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden regained prominence, making it difficult for Merino to reclaim his place in the starting lineup upon his return. Despite his potential, Merino struggled to regain his early form, and rumors of homesickness began to circulate, further fueling speculation about his future.
The following summer, Real Sociedad, a club closer to Merino’s roots, made their move, and the Spanish midfielder returned to La Liga. The decision proved to be a turning point in his career. At Real Sociedad, Merino flourished, developing into a complete midfielder capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch. His performances helped Sociedad establish themselves as a formidable force in Spanish football, and Merino became an integral part of their success, playing a key role in their qualification for the Champions League.
Merino’s rise did not go unnoticed, and he soon earned recognition on the international stage as well. His impressive displays for Real Sociedad earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, where he quickly became a regular under manager Luis Enrique. Merino was instrumental in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, showcasing his versatility, vision, and ability to control the tempo of matches from midfield. This success only served to enhance his reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders.
Last summer, Merino was heavily linked with a potential move to Manchester City, with a reported £50 million price tag reflecting his value. However, with only one year remaining on his contract at Real Sociedad, Arsenal has now emerged as the frontrunner to secure his services, and the Gunners are set to acquire him for a significantly reduced fee of £21 million. This potential bargain deal could be a game-changer for Arsenal, who are keen to add quality and experience to their midfield as they look to challenge for silverware.
The news of Merino’s imminent move to Arsenal has been confirmed by renowned Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, who is known for his accurate and reliable transfer updates. According to Romano, the structure of the deal is still being finalized, but Arsenal has already reached an agreement on personal terms with the player. This development suggests that Merino is eager to join the Gunners and play a key role in their ambitions for the upcoming season.
Romano shared further insights on social media, stating, “Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been in contact for weeks, with a formal bid being part of the ongoing process after extensive verbal discussions regarding the deal’s structure. Similar to the Calafiori transfer, both clubs are working to find the best possible solution. Merino is eager to join Arsenal, and the contract terms are fully agreed upon.” This update highlights the progress made in negotiations and indicates that the deal is likely to be completed soon.
Should the transfer be finalized, Merino would become Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £40 million. The addition of Merino to the squad would significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options, providing manager Mikel Arteta with a player who combines technical prowess, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities. Merino’s experience in both domestic and international competitions would also add a winning mentality to the team, which could prove crucial in their pursuit of success.
Despite the excitement surrounding Merino’s potential move to Arsenal, there is a sense of disappointment among Newcastle United fans, as the club will not benefit financially from the transfer. When Real Sociedad signed Merino six years ago for around £10 million, the deal did not include a sell-on clause, meaning that Newcastle will not receive any additional funds from his move to the Emirates. This outcome is particularly frustrating given Merino’s subsequent development into a top-tier midfielder.
As Arsenal edges closer to completing the signing of Mikel Merino, the anticipation among fans is building. The acquisition of a player of Merino’s caliber would signal Arsenal’s intent to compete at the highest level and could prove to be a key factor in their success in the upcoming Premier League season. With the transfer window still open, Arsenal may continue to strengthen their squad, but the addition of Merino would undoubtedly be a significant step forward in their preparations for the new campaign.
