Arsenal have agreed four-year contract with Real Sociedad star

Arsenal have made just one outfield signing this summer, but there is likely to be more activity before the transfer window closes on August 30.

The club have been linked with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino in recent weeks and Sports Zone claims they have agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with him.

A transfer will now depend on the demands of the La Liga outfit. The Gunners don’t want to pay a high fee for the 28-year-old whose contract expires at the end of next season.

Arsenal could be close to landing Merino

Merino has been a key player for Sociedad with almost 250 appearances in the last six seasons.

The former Newcastle United man has the ability to play from multiple midfield positions, but he is predominantly a left-sided central midfielder.

The Gunners started with Kai Havertz in the role last season, but he was pushed up front in the season run-in where he made key goal contributions.

Merino could be signed for a rotational role in midfield. He does not possess strong distribution skills, but he makes up for it defensively.

The Spaniard won an average of 10.2 duels per La Liga game last season alongside 6.2 recoveries and 2.4 tackles. He averaged close to two clearances.

The midfielder also made his mark in the final third with eight goals and five assists in all competitions. His aerial presence makes him a goalscoring threat from set-pieces.

He could reportedly be signed for £25 million which seems a fair price.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.