Whether Mikel Merino could sign for Arsenal in time to play at Aston Villa

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Arsenal have finally reached agreement with Real Sociedad over Mikel Merino, according to multiple sources.

The Gunners have been in pursuit of the Spain international over the past few weeks and reportedly made the breakthrough on Wednesday afternoon.

Fabrizio Romano is among those who reported the news, declaring “here we go” on Merino to Arsenal in a deal worth €37million (£31.4million) including add-ons.

Diario Vasco in Spain were one of the first outlets to report the breakthrough, and they also shared other interesting aspects of the deal.

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Mikel Merino ‘in a position’ to debut for Arsenal against Aston Villa

For instance, they reported that Merino will be flying to London over the coming hours for his medical at Arsenal.

Better still, Diario Vasco have reported that there’s a good chance the 28-year-old could sign in time to play for the Gunners this weekend.

‘He is in a position to make his debut on Saturday against Aston Villa if Mikel Arteta, who requested his signing, considers it appropriate,’ they wrote.

As reported by the Daily Mail last year, new signings must be registered at 12pm the working day before a game.

Should everything take place overnight, then Merino should be in line to come into the Arsenal squad for the 5:30pm kick-off at Villa Park.

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What will Mikel Merino bring to Arsenal?

At 28 years of age, Merino is very much in his prime as a midfielder, and boasts considerable experience as well as a trophy-laden CV.

The Guardian recently published an in-depth scouting report about what the Euro 2024 champion can offer Arsenal.

‘Under Imanol Alguacil, Merino has been deployed most frequently as a left-sided No 8, in a 4-3-3 setup not dissimilar to Arteta’s chosen formation for Arsenal,’ they wrote.

‘The Spain international is also more than capable of anchoring a midfield trio or forming a double pivot.

‘His versatility in the middle of the park, combined with Rice’s ability to swap positions, would mean the pair could interchange depending on the opposition and game state.

‘Merino is the type of midfielder Arteta would create in a lab if given the chance.

He is press-resistant, creative, combative and, above all, a duel-winning machine; Merino won more aerial duels (168) than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues last season.

‘Like Rice, who Arsenal paid around £105m for last summer, Merino is an impressively complete midfielder.

‘He can step forward as a No 8 and lead the press, as the Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard often does.

‘But he can also defend deep as a No 6 when required, whether that be alongside another player or on his own.’