Arsenal agree £33m transfer of Mikel Merino with Real Sociedad star already agreeing personal terms on five-year deal

ARSENAL have reached an agreement to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.

The Spanish midfielder is set to join the Gunners for a fee of around £32.6m, with £28.4m paid up front and £4.2m in add-ons.

Merino, 28 – a long-term target of boss Mikel Arteta – is due to have a medical ahead of signing a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Arsenal initially wanted to land Merino for around £25m...