Arsenal remain in active talks to sign Mikel Merino

The London giants have agreed personal terms with the Spain international and according to Romano, Arsenal are currently working on a salary structure for the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also admirers of Merino, but the La Liga duo have been told the Spaniard hopes to join Arsenal in the current transfer window.

Merino’s contract has a release clause worth €60m (£52m) but Arsenal are aiming to negotiate a fee of just over €25m (£21m) for the 28-year-old .

a matter of time

Last season, Arsenal primarily utilized Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the number eight position. However, with the arrival of Merino, Rice is likely to take on more defensive duties next season.

Merino mainly plays as a midfielder. He has succeeded in the position thanks to his excellent aerial performance, work rate and goal contribution.

The Spaniard had the most wins among Europe’s top five leagues last season, but also averaged more than six league resumptions per game. His defensive skills are suited to the Premier League.

According to Kieran Tierney, Merino is world-class and he also has the skills to score goals and assists. He contributed 13 goals in the most recent season, but he might have performed better at Arsenal had he been surrounded by more creative players.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may consider him a direct competitor to Kai Havertz, but the pair could also play together if the latter is chosen to lead the attack ahead of Gabriel Jesus.

For managers, this is a vexing choice. Arsenal will need to improve the quality and depth of their squad if they want to beat Manchester City all the way to the league title.

The club have signed defender Riccardo Calafiori and Merino will be another welcome addition ahead of the new Premier League season.