It has been reported that Merino will sign for Arsenal next week, but according to Paul Gilmour, speaking on Sky Sports News, that isn’t the case.

Indeed, while other journalists are saying this deal is close to being done, Gilmour has heard something entirely different.

The Sky Sports reporter says that we’re not at a stage where Arsenal are looking likely to make progress on Merino and that there’s no reason to get carried away about this move just yet.

Mikel Merino to Arsenal isn’t close

Gilmour shared what he’s heard about Merino.

“No I think Merino is a player Arsenal really like, but the last we heard the information we have is that it isn’t quite at a stage where they’re likely to make progress on that.

“Of course, that could change throughout this window, but there’s been no significant progress. Some sources in Spain told us today there have been no formal offers for Merino or indeed Zubimendi.

“That’s not to say those negotiations aren’t ongoing behind the scenes, it’s one of those not to get too carried away with yet, but negotiations and talks are ongoing to try and find some common ground and ideally bring him to Arsenal, but no formal offer and no advanced discussions at this stage.”

Arsenal transfer drama

It wouldn’t be an Arsenal transfer story without a bit of drama and conflicting reports emerging.

Riccardo Calafiori’s move earlier this summer was seriously prolonged, while Declan Rice’s move last summer had a number of twists and turns before it was done.

Merino is a concrete target for Arsenal, and this move could still go ahead, but, as things stand, it doesn’t look as though the Spaniard is as close to joining Arsenal as some would have you believe.

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