Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to reports.
The Gunners, who fell the wrong side of a two-horse race for the Premier League title against serial champions Manchester City last season, have already bolstered their ranks this summer with the arrival of ex-Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
But having identified midfield as a key area to strengthen ahead of the summer transfer deadline, Arsenal have been in advanced talks with LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad in an effort to lure the Spaniard to the Emirates.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed an initial £28.5million deal with the Spanish club to sign Merino, with the fee set to rise to £32m in add ons.
Merino, who has reportedly agreed personal terms, will arrive on a four-year contract with the option of a fifth should Arsenal agree.
Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign Real Sociedad and Spain star Mikel Merino

The Sociedad midfielder is set to arrive on a four-year contract, with the option of a fifth year
Merino returned to Sociedad this summer off the back of Spain’s triumph at the European Championships in Germany, with Spain beating England 2-1 in the final.
The 28-year-old will likely partner England midfielder Declan Rice in the engine room, with Thomas Partey remaining a superb squad option following his appearance during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend.
Kai Havertz performed the No 8 role at times for Arsenal last season but has since found a purple patch of form leading the line for the Gunners, emerging as Arteta’s clear first-choice centre forward.
More to follow.