According to the journalist Fabricius Romano, Arsenal have established initial contacts with Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in view of a possible transfer tender.
The Gunners are on the verge of signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The Italian star is currently undergoing a medical and could soon join his new team-mates for the pre-season tour of the United States. RomanThe club will make a formal move to sign a new midfielder in the coming days and Merino is on their radar.
Roman He added that the club has not submitted any offer to sign the Euro 2024 winner, but there have been talks on the part of the player, he posted on X: “Arsenal have not yet submitted an official offer for Mikel Merino, as their focus was on closing the deal with Calafiori. Formal contacts for a new midfielder will begin in the coming days with Merino on the list, and there have been approaches from the players.”
Quality signature
Arsenal have been slow in their transfer process this summer. They have yet to confirm a player signing, but Calafiori's transfer is expected to be announced at the weekend. Their next target could be a new midfielder and Roman has confirmed that the club has contacted the player about Merino.
The ex-Newcastle United The man is one of the best midfielders in Europe's top five leagues when it comes to winning duels. He won a 326 featured duels Last season, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes was the second best. The Spaniard has also excelled with his recovery, tackling and ability to clear the lines to good effect.
The midfielder has been losing ground in his distribution over the years, but could do much better in a possession-based team like Arsenal. Merino, who scored eight goals and provided five assists for Real Sociedad last season, would be a quality signing for the Gunners, especially with a low asking price. £21 million. He 'world class'The star could be used in a rotating role by the manager. Mikel Arteta next semester depending on the demands of the game.
Barcelona Arsenal fans are also admirers of the experienced midfielder, but Arsenal have the upper hand at the moment as the La Liga giants need to sell Frenkie de Jong to sign him. The Spanish side are prioritising the signings of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo and believe it is financially impossible to afford to sign Merino without De Jong leaving.
