Arsenal Negotiates for Merino, Rejects Nketiah Bid

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed ongoing talks with Arsenal over the transfer of Mikel Merino, with the Spanish club holding out for a fee of around €35m (£30m) despite Arsenal's initial bid of €25m (£21.4m) being rejected. Merino, who has one year left on his contract and has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, was left out of Sociedad's opening match against Real Vallecano, indicating the seriousness of the negotiations. Arsenal's sporting director Edu is actively working to finalize the deal, which would make Merino Arsenal's primary midfield target this summer following the signing of Riccardo Calafiori. Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil has acknowledged the midfielder's desire to move and has excluded him from the squad for the time being. Meanwhile, Arsenal has also rejected a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for Eddie Nketiah, valuing him closer to £30m.