“If he choose Arsenal over Man City, I’ll resign as a football coach…He’s the player we can’t afford to see him playing for them, they may become undefeatable with him”: Pep Guardiola angered by World-class player’s decision to join Arsenal as Man City increases bid to convince him from Arsenal transfer

“If he choose Arsenal over Man City, I’ll resign as a football coach…He’s the player we can’t afford to see him playing for them, they may become undefeatable with him”: Pep Guardiola angered by World-class player’s decision to join Arsenal as Man City increases bid to convince him from Arsenal transfer

Arsenal talks to sign Mikel Merino are actively ongoing and at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast on Saturday, Fabrizio Romano gave the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
“Arsenal started negotiations weeks ago for Mikel Merino,” Romano said. “Arsenal are in active conversations with Real Sociedad.

“The player wants to go to Arsenal, he has an agreement with Arsenal. Barcelona, Atletico, all the other clubs that were interested, are aware of the decision of the player.

“The contract is ready, the player wants to work for Mikel Arteta. He’s really attracted by the technical project and by the manager. He believes that Arteta is the perfect coach for his skills.

“Now, Arsenal and Real Sociedad are in contact, talks at a very advanced stage, but still working on the payment terms, and the deal structure.

“It’s advanced, but still some work to do on the final details.”

There had been some speculation in recent days that Arsenal were continuing to explore alternatives to Merino, and his absence from Real Sociedad’s pre-season friendly was put down to fitness rather than an imminent transfer.

But most sources are now increasingly in agreement that the transfer is inevitable, it’s just a matter of when it gets done.