The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window and they have made just one outfield signing in the form of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

The club have been touted to land Merino from Sociedad in recent weeks, but as things stand, they are yet to present an offer to the Spanish side.

Atletico made an offer worth £30m for Merino earlier this month, but the midfielder was reluctant to join them due to his preference for Arsenal .

Sociedad now want the Gunners to match the same price, but Arsenal are optimistic of negotiating a lesser fee after agreeing terms with Merino.

Merino has entered the final year of his contract and Sociedad may have no choice but to sell him before the transfer window closes on August 30.

Merino, who has a release clause worth £56m in his contract, could end up joining the Gunners for a package of around £21m, as per reports.

Related

---