Report: Club now accept they will lose £25m player this summer after Arsenal open talks to sign him

One club are now resigned to losing a star man this summer after Arsenal started negotiations to sign him.

Despite failing to win the Premier League title in over 20 years, the Gunners are undoubtedly one of the most attractive clubs in Europe, with Arsenal’s pulling power now likely to land them one of Spain’s top midfielders.

So, who now looks set to join Arsenal as his club give up hope of keeping him? Let’s take a look…

Real Sociedad resigned to losing Arsenal target Mikel Merino

A story from the Mirror now claims that Real Sociedad are resigned to losing Mikel Merino this summer.

The Spain international is expected to leave for £25m after Real Sociedad failed to agree a new contract with the 28-year-old.

It comes after Dean Jones claimed that Arsenal have opened talks to sign Merino.

Mikel Arteta is even said to have spoken to his fellow countryman on the phone in an attempt to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.

Merino only has 12 months remaining on his terms with Real Sociedad, and is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club in January ahead of a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

Therefore, Real Sociedad have reason to push for a sale this summer, or else they risk losing a £25m asset for nothing next year.

The Mirror add that relations between Arsenal and Real Sociedad are strong, following the loan deal involving Kieran Tierney last summer.

Gunners still face fierce competition

While news of Real Sociedad accepting they will lose Merino is positive for Arsenal, the Gunners do not have a free run at his signature whatsoever.

The Mirror add that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen to sign the man from Pamplona, with the latter actually leading the race.

Barcelona are said to be focused on the signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao and may not have enough money to sign both him and Merino, although it sounds as if the presence of Atletico Madrid is the most worrying for Arsenal, as Diego Simeone’s side have already spoken to the midfielder.

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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Arsenal push to sign Merino this summer.