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Arsenal make approach to sign Mikel Merino this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 26, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly looking to step up their efforts to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino this summer, as per the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners are said to be aiming to reinforce several areas of the squad with the attacking and defensive department being among those. They have identified Bologna ace Riccardo Calafiori as an ideal option to bolster the backline and are on the verge of securing his signature.

On the other hand, numerous strikers have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks but it is not sure who will eventually join the club before the window slams shut.

Additionally, signing a new midfielder is reportedly on Mikel Arteta’s agenda and now, writing on X, Romano has reported that after finalising the Calafiori deal, Arsenal will focus on purchasing a new midfielder over the coming days with Merino on the shortlist.

The journalist further claims that although the North London club haven’t submitted a formal proposal to Real Sociedad yet, Arsenal have already made several approaches to player’s representatives over this deal.

Merino to Arsenal

Romano wrote:

“Arsenal have still not presented any official bid for Mikel Merino as their focus was on sealing Calafiori deal. Formal contacts for new midfielder will start in the next days with Merino in the list, approaches took place on player side.”

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract and doesn’t want to renew his deal with the Basque club to take the next step in his career.

Therefore, Real Sociedad could be forced to cash-in on him to avoid losing him for free next summer and they reportedly want a fee of around £25m. Therefore, Arsenal could manage to secure his signature for an affordable price.

After playing in the European Championship, the Spaniard has been on holiday in recent days so things could escalate regarding this deal after his return.

Merino is a highly talented player and possesses the necessary attributes to play in Arteta’s system so he would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to sign him in this transfer window to reinforce their engine room.