DONE DEAL: “Celebrations at the Emirates—It Was Definitely Worth the Wait!” After a long year of anticipation, Arsenal has finally secured a £39 million replacement for Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal is preparing to make an upfront payment to secure a major transfer target, deviating from the usual installment-based payments common in modern transfer deals. Typically, clubs might spread a £30 million fee over ten years, paying £3 million annually.
However, Arsenal plans to pay the entire fee immediately to secure the player for Mikel Arteta.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal is ready to pay Real Sociedad the full €30 million (£25.2 million) asking price for Mikel Merino.
This offer is especially attractive to Real Sociedad, as they expect to lose Merino after he rejected a new contract. Arsenal’s willingness to pay the full amount upfront makes them the leading candidate, as Barcelona can only offer staggered payments.
Although the Spain international has not yet made a decision about his next club, Real Sociedad favors Arsenal for financial reasons. Mundo Deportivo also reports that Arsenal has presented Merino with a life-changing contract offer to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Merino, hailed as a “world-class footballer” by Kieran Tierney, played 45 games for Real Sociedad in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
He also scored a decisive goal in the 119th minute at UEFA Euro 2024 to eliminate Germany in the quarter-finals, with Spain going on to win the tournament.
While Merino has yet to agree to join Arsenal, the club is currently in a strong position ahead of Barcelona. Barcelona, focused on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, intends to allocate their entire budget to him this summer.
If Arsenal can persuade Merino to sign, the deal could proceed quickly, as Real Sociedad is pleased with Arsenal’s plan to pay the £25.2 million fee upfront.