Arsenal will reportedly proceed with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino once Emile Smith Rowe's departure from the Gunners has been confirmed.

Smith Rowe, 24, is on the verge of leaving the North London giants, with Fulham believed to be closing in on a £35m move for the attacking midfielder.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, once Smith Rowe's transfer has been finalised, Arsenal will accelerate their attempts to bring Merino back to the Premier League.

Romano claims that the Gunners have had "positive contacts" over a move for the Spain international.

"Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino's camp next week, after positive contacts. He's not only name on list but well positioned; price tag requested by Real Sociedad will be key," Romano wrote on X. "[Mikel] Arteta appreciates him; as soon as ESR leaves, Arsenal can proceed."

Arsenal 'keen' on Merino deal

Last week, it was claimed that Arsenal were willing to pay €30m (£25.2m) for Merino, with the Gunners determined to beat Barcelona to his signature.

Merino has a €60m (£50.6m) release clause in his current Real Sociedad deal, but his terms are due to expire next summer, so it is unlikely that he will leave for that price.

The midfielder played an important role in Spain winning Euro 2024, featuring in each of his side's seven matches at the competition, and he scored a late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Merino has scored 27 goals and registered 30 assists in 242 appearances for his current side in all competitions, including eight goals and five assists from 45 matches last term.

Merino previously played in England for Newcastle

The midfielder has previous when it comes to featuring in England's top flight, having represented Newcastle United between July 2017 and July 2018.

Merino initially arrived at St James' Park on loan from Borussia Dortmund, but he completed a permanent move to the English club in October 2017 after making a certain number of appearances.

The Spaniard featured on 25 occasions for Newcastle, scoring once and providing one assist, before moving to Real Sociedad on a permanent basis.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are on the verge of confirming the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with the 22-year-old set to link up with his new teammates in the United States.

The Gunners continued their preparations for the 2024-25 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Premier League rivals Manchester United in a friendly on Saturday night. body check tags ::