When Arsenal must complete Mikel Merino signing by if he is to make debut vs Aston Villa

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino as their second major addition this summer.

MIkel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have made just one signing so far as Riccardo Calafiori joined from Bologna, but Merino is now closing in on a move.

Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been in talks for weeks after Merino rejected interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to join Arteta’s side, but the deal has dragged on as the two clubs tried to agree on a fee.

Arsenal won their opening Premier League game against Wolves 2-0, but face a tough test in an away trip to Aston Villa, and this is the kind of game Merino has been brought in for.

However, if Arsenal wish to use Merino at Villa Park, they are running out of time to confirm a deal.

Arsenal given deadline for Mikel Merino transfer ahead of Aston Villa clash

Premier League rules dictate that new signings must be completed and registered by midday of the final weekday before a league match is played.

This means that Arsenal need to register Merino by midday on Friday 23rd August if they want him to be in the squad against Aston Villa.

Although the deal has been close for some time, it does feel unlikely that everything will be finalised in time for Merino to play a part.

If Merino is registered, it still seems highly unlikely that he will start, but having him on the bench will be useful.

Slow pace of transfers could cost Arsenal points

Although the delays in both Calafiori and Merino’s arrivals may have been due to factors beyond Arsenal’s control, it is a frustrating problem.

Calafiori’s deal dragged on to the point where he missed most of pre-season, and as a result, has not played enough to be considered for a start against Aston Villa.

Had Merino arrived last week, he could have been in the starting lineup against Villa, and given that he has been brought in as a crucial part of the midfield, he could have brought game-winning qualities to a tough fixture.

If Arsenal drop points against Villa, with the midfield not functioning, then it will be a frustrating result given that signing Merino quicker could have proved to be the difference.