Arsenal have begun talks for their next signing, with another on the way after that.
The Gunners are looking to further strengthen their options across the board, as they once again look to stop Manchester City's continued success in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side finished just two points behind the Sky Blues last season and will be keen to go one better in 2024/25.
Having already completed the signing of Italian international Riccardo Calafiori, it appears as if Arsenal are turning their focus now to a player who recently claimed European Championship success with Spain this summer.
WATCH | Why Arsenal Want Riccardo Calafiori So Badly
According to Basque newspaper Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Arsenal are in dialogue with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad regarding a deal for Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old has been a long-term target for Arteta and the general feeling is a deal can be agreed upon before the deadline closes.
This week, Arsenal's sporting director Edu is said to have travelled to Spain in an attempt to broker a deal. Arsenal are optimistic a deal can be agreed given Merino is eager to make the move happen and play under Arteta in the Premier League. Transfermarkt currently values the 28-year-old at €50m (£42.9m).
La Real are resigned to the possibility of losing Merino, who has just 12 months remaining on his deal in Spain. Although they have offered him an extension, the player’s representatives have made clear that he intends to join the Gunners.
Spanish publication Sport has also revealed Arsenal may choose to pull the trigger on a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. He kept eight clean sheets and conceded seven goals from 14 league games, as his side earned promotion to the top tier of Spanish football and could be viewed as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
FourFourTwo can get behind the move for Merino, given the tidy midfielder would provide healthy competition alongside the likes of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jorginho. A middle-of-the-park metronome, his technical abilities are perfectly suited to Arteta's style of football.
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Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has teased the rest of the transfer window for Gunners fans, telling them that they ‘won't be disappointed’. One report says that Arsenal are ‘certain’ to sign Mikel Merino, with an agreement for the Basque controller already sorted.
The Gunners are said to be investing in youth, too. A €25m for a Brazilian teen sensation has been reported, while eagle-eyed fans have spotted a potential bombshell in training, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri wearing the vacant No.10 shirt. In other news, Arsenal are close to confirming one goalkeeper's exit, while fans are fearing for one star's Gunners future following a pre-season hint.
It's been reported that Mikel Arteta used professional pickpockets to teach his Arsenal players a lesson, while we have a deep dive into Arsenal's best homegrown players and a look at Mikel Arteta's full team for the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher claims Arsenal still need one more special attacker to overtake Manchester City and win the Premier League.
