Arsenal are aiming to land a Spanish international who won Euro 2024 this summer. 

The Gunners are closing in on £25m rated Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The 28-year-old who featured in La Roja’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the final of the European Championships in Berlin last month is set to become the club’s second signing of the summer.

It is understood that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with their top midfield target which includes finalising details regarding future bonuses.

The move follows Arteta and sporting director Edu identifying key positions in which strengthening is required after the North Londoners finished runners up for a second successive season under billionaire moneybags Manchester City.

The tall midfielder began his career with Osasuna in the Basque region - where his father once played and who were in the Spanish second tier at the time.

His excellent performances caught the attention of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, moving to Germany in 2016, two weeks after his 20th birthday.

While he made only nine appearances during his only season with BVB, Premier League suitors Newcastle were impressed.

Under then boss Rafa Benitez the Magpies initially signed the Spanish playmaker on loan during the 2017-18 season, prior to putting pen to paper on a permanent deal.

However, despite having the physical attributes to succeed in the English top flight, Merino started only 14 league games, before being sold to Real Sociedad for €12 million - where for the next six seasons the Pamplona-born Basque impressed.

With only a year on his contract remixing the player is an attractive proposition for the Gunners as they look to leapfrog perennial title winners City.

Arteta sees Merino as the perfect foil for Declan Rice, with the Arsenal boss losing faith in injury-plagued Thomas Partey in the crucial role. defensive midfield role.

If all goes to plan, Arsenal are set to exchange paperwork with their San Sebastián side over the next few days, after agreeing a payment structure and finalising the add-ons.

Arsenal host Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates on Wednesday.