Arsenal are reportedly prepared to hand Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino a 'contract of a lifetime' this summer.
The 28-year-old has been going under the radar in La Liga over the past few seasons but burst onto the continental stage at Euro 2024 in Germany with Spain.
Merino was not a starter for La Roja but came up trumps in an important moment on his side's route to European glory, deciding one of the matches from the bench.
The midfielder was subbed on for the final 40 minutes of Spain's quarter-final clash with hosts Germany and netted an added-time winner with an excellent header.
Luis de la Fuente's troops then went on to beat France in the semi-finals and Gareth Southgate's England in the showpiece match in Berlin to lift the country's fourth European Championship.
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Arsenal to offer Spain star Merino lucrative deal?
According to Spanish outlet Deportivo Mundo, Arsenal are preparing a big-money swoop for the services of Spain and Sociedad star Merino this summer.
The report states that the Gunners are willing to offer the 28-year-old a 'contract of a lifetime' in order to transfer to the Premier League ahead of the new term.
It is understood that there are other English clubs in the race for the signature of Merino, including Champions League-bound Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
That being said, it is believed that Unai Emery's side have cooled their interest in the Spaniard as they close in on the signing of Everton's Amadou Onana.
As well as top-class clubs in England, some of Sociedad's Spanish rivals such as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are keen on a move for Merino.
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Reunited with Martin Odegaard?
A switch to North London for Sociedad's Merino would allow him to link up with a former teammate at Reale Arena from the 2020-21 campaign.
The 28-year-old could be paired in the engine room alongside Martin Odegaard once again, however there would be questions concerning the roles of the duo in midfield.
Mikel Arteta has preferred to operate with two aggressive "eights" in the form of Odegaard and Declan Rice - a role that Merino is not used to playing.
Nevertheless, the La Roja hero would be a welcome addition to the ranks for the Gunners, who are looking to sign the European champion for less than his £55m release clause.
Carter White
