Arsenal will step up their attempts to bring in a new midfielder after wrapping up a deal for Riccardo Calafiori.
Italy defender Calafiori is with Arsenal in the US and will join their tour after travelling out over the weekend to finalise his move.
The Gunners have agreed a deal with Bologna worth around £40million and Calafiori is set to sign a long-term contract.
Arsenal are planning further reinforcements to their squad this summer and they want to bring in a new midfielder.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino is a target and was on Arsenal’s radar before he helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
The 28-year-old is into the final year of his contract at Sociedad, who could be forced to cash in on him during the current transfer window, and has also been linked with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Arsenal continued their US tour over the weekend by beating Manchester United 2-1 in Los Angeles thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Emile Smith Rowe once again played no part in the match as the midfielder closes in on a move to Fulham, which will be worth in the region of £35m.
The 24-year-old impressed during the early part of Mikel Arteta’s time in charge of Arsenal, but he has more recently slipped down the pecking order.
Crystal Palace have also been interested in signing Smith Rowe this summer as they try to bolster their squad, but Fulham are now the favourites to bring him.
