Will Arsenal have a new midfielder this week

A midfield summer transfer target for Arsenal is edging ever closer to completion

Mikel Merino has been on the wish-list of the Gunners since lifting the Euro 2024 title last month in Berlin.

The Spanish midfielder looked set to seal a move to North London after being ommitted the Real Sociedad squad for their La Liga season opener.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil revealed his decision was due to Merino being in talks with 'another club'.

However, following the side from San Sebastian losing 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, the club changed tack - with Alguacil insiting Merino was “with the team to the death”.

This was ampified by Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay claiming Arsenal must match the asking price for the Spain midfielder.

“Merino was clear that he didn’t want to say he was renewing and then leave," Aperribay said, adding: "It wasn’t a surprise to us.

“Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up.

“We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of La Real.

"When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes.

"We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided that he should not be called up [for the game on Sunday].”

Talks between Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, and the Spanish club are ongoing after Sociedad refused to accept the north Londoners opening bid of around €25m (£21.4m).

The 28-year-old Merino has rejected Sociedad's offer of a new deal, having already agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

The Basques who took Kieran Tierney on a season long loan last term are understood to want €35m for Merino, despite only having 12 months on his contract.