In line with journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made preliminary contact with Actual Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino forward of a doable switch bid.
The Gunners are on the cusp of signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The Italian star is present process his medical and will quickly be a part of his new teammates for the pre-season tour of the USA. As per Romano, the membership will make a proper transfer for a brand new midfielder within the coming days and Merino is on their radar.
Romano added that the membership haven’t offered any supply to signal the Euro 2024 winner, however there have been talks on the participant’s aspect, he posted on X: “Arsenal have nonetheless not offered any official bid for Mikel Merino as their focus was on sealing Calafiori deal. Formal contacts for brand spanking new midfielder will begin within the subsequent days with Merino within the listing, approaches occurred on participant aspect.”
High quality signing
Arsenal have been sluggish with their switch proceedings this summer time. They’re but to verify an outfield acquisition, however Calafiori’s switch must be introduced by the weekend. Their subsequent focus could possibly be a brand new midfielder and Romano has confirmed that the membership have approached the participant’s aspect over Merino.
The ex-Newcastle United man is without doubt one of the finest midfielders in Europe’s top-5 leagues in relation to profitable duels. He received an excellent 326 duels within the latest marketing campaign the place the 2nd finest was Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes. The Spaniard has additionally excelled together with his recoveries, tackles and the flexibility to clear his traces with good impact.
The midfielder has lagged behind together with his distribution over time, however he may fare significantly better in a powerful possession-based aspect within the type of Arsenal. Merino, who scored 8 targets and supplied 5 assists for Sociedad final season, could be a high quality signing for the Gunners, significantly with a low asking worth of £21 million. The ‘world-class‘ star could possibly be utilized in a rotational position by supervisor Mikel Arteta subsequent time period relying on the calls for of the sport.
Barcelona are additionally admirers of the highly-experienced midfielder, however Arsenal have the benefit in the intervening time with the La Liga giants needing to promote Frenkie de Jong to purchase him. The Spanish outfit are prioritising the signings of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo and imagine it’s financially unattainable to afford Merino with out de Jong’s exit.
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