The Gunners have already agreed personal terms over a four-year deal with the 28-year-old. The Spaniard has informed the verbal agreement to Sociedad this week.

The club are now in advanced discussions with the La Liga outfit and a deal could be finalised pretty soon. Sociedad are demanding €35m, but Arsenal are aiming to sign him for slightly less.

They are growingly confident of striking an agreement in the next 48 hours. Merino will not feature for Sociedad in their La Liga curtain-raiser against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

He has been left out of the squad due to the ongoing negotiations. Sociedad have accepted that the former Newcastle United man will be heading for a new challenge with Arsenal .

They have, however, received good news on Martin Zubimendi , who has turned down a big-money move to Liverpool . He is expected to sign a new long-term contract with them.

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