Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are close to finalizing a deal for Eddie Nketiah to join Nottingham Forest, sources have revealed. The transfer fee for Merino is expected to be around £28 million plus add-ons, making him Arsenal's third summer signing following David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. Merino is set to undergo a medical and is likely to sign a four-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Nottingham Forest has reportedly made an improved offer of approximately £30 million plus add-ons for Nketiah, which Arsenal is likely to accept. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has assured Nketiah of significant playing time at the club. While Arsenal has not confirmed the deals, sources indicate that Mikel Arteta has advocated for the signing of Merino to bolster the team's midfield.
Mikel Merino, who joined Real Sociedad in 2018, has been a key player for the club, scoring 27 goals in 242 appearances. With just one year left on his contract, Merino turned down an extension offer from Sociedad. The 28-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, featuring in all seven matches, including the final against England.
Eddie Nketiah's move to Nottingham Forest is still pending finalization of personal terms, but there is optimism that the transfer will be completed in the coming days. Arsenal's potential acquisitions of Merino and Nketiah signal the club's intent to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming season.
