Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has made his way to London, England, for a final round of negotiations with the board at Premier League giants Arsenal.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Mikel Merino as being the subject of such talks.
The name of midfielder Merino has taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Spain and England alike for several weeks now.
This comes after the 28-year-old, fresh off playing his part in his country’s triumph at Euro 2024, was confirmed to have been identified as a leading target on the part of fellow countryman and Arsenal headmaster Mikel Arteta.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at Anoeta, and Merino himself understood to be keen on a move to The Emirates, the transfer, initially, was considered something of a formality.
And yet, several weeks on, official confirmation of an agreement between the parties is yet to arrive…
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, the clock, in turn, is very much ticking.
And Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, as a result, has taken it upon himself to spring into action.
As per a report from MD:
‘Aperribay took a flight from Loiu to London after arranging a meeting with Arsenal’s managers in order to reach a definitive agreement for the transfer of Merino’.
The Spaniard will now set about closing the sale once and for all, hopeful of securing a considerable €40 million, when taking into account add-ons, and favourable payment terms for Arsenal.
Conor Laird | GSFN
