Arsenal are still in talks to sign Mikel Merino

The Gunners have intensified in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino who has emerged as the club’s top transfer target this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and the La Liga outfit are holding out a fee of €35m (£30m) for the Spaniard.

Merino has already agreed on personal terms with Arsenal and sporting director Edu Gaspar has flown to Spain for negotiations with Real Sociedad over a transfer fee. Sociedad have already turned down their initial transfer bid worth €25m (£21.4m).

But Arsenal are confident of securing a move for the 28-year-old midfielder in the coming days.