Real Sociedad FC president Aperibe has now arrived in London with the aim of finalizing the transfer of Merino with Arsenal Football Club. According to Mundo Deportivo, Aperibe's trip not only arranges a meeting with Arsenal's management, but also expects to reach an agreement on Merino's transfer fee.
It is reported that the transfer fee proposed by Real Sociedad is around 40 million euros, a price that includes a fixed transfer fee and a floating bonus clause, which is quite generous for a player whose contract is due to expire next year. At the same time, in order to facilitate the smooth progress of the transaction, Real Sociedad also showed enough flexibility, willing to accept the installment payment method, so that the two sides can reach or close to this amount of agreement.
Aperibe revealed in an interview that he had held an initial meeting with Arsenal management last Wednesday and made contact again last weekend. However, the previous negotiations did not make substantial progress, mainly because Real Sociedad expressed their rejection of Arsenal's offer of a fixed transfer fee of 30 million euros plus a floating bonus of 5 million euros.
Merino's transfer fiasco has also affected his match form at Real Sociedad. In the first round of the new La Liga season, Real Sociedad lost 1-2 to Rayo Vallecano at home, Merino did not appear in the team's lineup. Head coach Alguacil explained that despite Merino's strong desire to play, Alguacil decided to leave him out of the starting lineup due to the possibility of his imminent transfer.
This time, Aperibe personally traveled to London, showing that Real Sociedad attaches great importance and determination to the transfer of Merino. The next negotiation between the two sides will directly determine Merino's future belonging and whether he can continue to play for Real Sociedad or Arsenal in the new season.
