When Arsenal could make Mikel Merino signing announcement after developments

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At this point, Arsenal fans will be forgiven for growing weary of the club’s attempts to recruit Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Arsenal began their pursuit of Merino back in June, a player who then went on to impress for Spain at the Euros as a substitute – performances which may have increased his asking price.

And with just about a week to go until the August transfer window slams shut, Arsenal will be aware that they need to conclude their interest swiftly.

In truth, Mikel Arteta’s side would have benefited from Merino’s availability in their opening Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the weekend.

Thomas Partey enjoyed some excellent moments but his performance was undermined by mistakes, needlessly giving the ball away on more than one occasion.

If the Spaniard arrived, Declan Rice could return to the pivot, allowing the Merino to be Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka replacement, operating as a left-footed number eight.

That being said, according to Spanish outlet Marca, Arsenal might be about to make a significant breakthrough imminently.

Arsenal may finally be ready to announce the signing of Mikel Merino

In a bold update, Marca declared that Merino could become a new Arsenal player today (Thursday) if the two club’s find an agreement, as is expected to be the case.

The report reiterated that Merino didn’t train with Real Sociedad on Wednesday as he prepares to move to north London.

READ MORE: What Gabriel Jesus thinks is going to happen at Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta plans signing

Officially, Merino was missing owing to lower back pain, but the Spanish outlet believes that the midfielder, who has been labelled ‘one of the best’ in Europe, was simply living his last few hours as a Real Sociedad player.

The report suggests that there’s still a possibility that the deal could stretch until Friday, but believe that Merino should be a new Arsenal player before the weekend.

Marca believes that Merino has already said his ‘discreet’ goodbyes when he was presented to the club’s fans last Sunday as part of a Euros/Olympics celebration.

Of course, when Arsenal do eventually conclude a deal for Merino, their interest is likely to turn elsewhere fairly promptly.

And Arsenal are now planning a shock swap deal, which could see a former Premier League player arrive in north London.