Arsenal and Real Sociedad have still not reached a full agreement over the transfer of Merino, but both sides have stated that they are aiming to finalize the deal before the second round of La Liga matches, according to the latest news from Radio Celtic. Radio Sel reporter Roberto Ramajo noted that despite the time crunch, the two sides are still in advanced talks over the transfer fee and other details.
Real Sociedad have bid around €40 million for Merino, a price that reflects their recognition of the value of the Spanish midfielder. Merino, 28, has a contract with Real Sociedad that expires in the summer of 2025, however, he was not named in Real Sociedad's squad for the first round of the new La Liga season, further fueling speculation about his departure.
Arsenal have been interested in Merino for a long time and are looking to bring in the skillful and experienced midfielder to bolster their squad. Both Arsenal and Real Sociedad are under time pressure as the transfer window winds down, but both sides seem willing to keep working to get this deal done.
It's worth noting that Merino has been praised for his performances at Real Sociedad, where he has been an important part of the team's midfield. However, as he moves deeper into his career, he may also want to challenge himself in a new environment and seek higher honors.
At the moment, the situation in the transfer market is changing rapidly, and any small change may affect the final result. Therefore, fans still need to wait patiently and pay attention to the latest transfer news to know the final destination of Merino.