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.
