Transfers: Arsenal close in on deal to sign midfielder Merino

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Spain midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, according to reports.

An agreement in principle was struck on Thursday night between the clubs for an initial £28.4million (33.5m) transfer with a further £4.2m in add-ons.

Merino has arrived in London to complete the move ahead of Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The 28-year-old was involved throughout Spain's successful Euro 2024 campaign, scoring the extra-time winner in the quarter-final against Germany.

He has 28 caps and spent a season at Newcastle under Rafael Benitez before joining Real Sociedad, where he has made 242 appearances.

Merino will add depth to Arsenal's midfield as they look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.