Arsenal Secure Mikel Merino Signing from Real Sociedad for £31.6m

Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a potential fee of £31.6m. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal, with an option for a fifth, after the Gunners paid an initial £27.4m plus £4.2m in add-ons.

Merino, fresh off Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph where he scored a crucial quarter-final goal against Germany, is Arsenal’s third summer signing following Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya. His versatility in midfield will provide depth alongside Declan Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.

Merino brings Premier League experience, having previously played for Newcastle United before his successful stint at Real Sociedad, where he tallied eight goals in 45 appearances last season. The Spaniard reunites with former teammate Martin Odegaard in north London.

Manchester United Agree £42.29m Deal for PSG Midfielder Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United have agreed a £42.29m fee with Paris Saint-Germain for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The deal could rise to £50.75m with an additional £8.46m in potential payments, alongside a 10% sell-on clause for PSG.

The 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances for PSG last season, is expected to undergo a medical in Manchester soon. His move hinges on Scott McTominay’s proposed £25.37m transfer to Napoli, with confidence high that both deals will be finalized.

Ugarte will become United’s fifth signing of the summer, pushing their total transfer spending under manager Erik ten Hag to over £190m. The move reflects United’s continued investment in building a competitive squad after spending nearly £600m since Ten Hag’s appointment in 2022.