Arsenal are hoping to get another signing over the line ahead of the new Premier League season but one arrival seemingly won’t be done today.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season and Mikel Arteta wants to finally get over the line this time around.
Arsenal haven’t been throwing money around this summer but did turn David Raya’s loan move permanent – much to the delight of boss Arteta.
Another signing was confirmed last week with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori signing from Bologna after weeks of waiting.
Calafiori adds versatility at the back given that he can play at left back or centre back.
Arsenal are now looking to add another new face this summer with Arteta keen to bring a midfielder to North London.
Mikel Merino latest as Arsenal chase deal
The man Arsenal want is Mikel Merino.
Arsenal have seen Granit Xhaka thrive since selling him to Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Arteta now wants a replacement; a left-footed midfielder with experience, a player he can trust, a goal threat with physicality and the ability to look after the ball.
Merino ticks all of those boxes and HITC understands that the Spaniard has rejected a new contract with Real Sociedad as he wants to join Arsenal.
Real have already signed Luka Sucic from Red Bull Salzburg with the Croatian talent completing his move to San Sebastian.
The La Liga side clearly expect Merino to move on soon but that hasn’t happened just yet.
In fact, footage from Real Sociedad’s official X account has shown Merino arriving for training this morning.
Merino was due to return today having been given a break after his Euro 2024 exploits with Spain.
Some wondered whether Merino would be given more time off in order to complete his move to Arsenal, but he is there with Real and continuing his duties with the club until a deal is done and dusted.
Real Sociedad ‘pessimistic’
Real are clearly anticipating Merino’s departure having invested in Sucic.
In case there was any doubt though, Mundo Deportivo claim that Real ‘remain pessimistic’ about Merino’s chances of staying put.
Merino turning up for training as expected hasn’t left them any more confident on him staying.
Arsenal are the favourites to land Merino but the report does highlight interest from Barcelona and even ‘a German route’.
There won’t be too many Bundesliga clubs who can compete with Arsenal financially though and the Gunners will feel that they can see off Barca too.
We would expect Merino to join Arsenal; it’s the move he wants and whilst he has appeared in training for Real Sociedad, it’s merely the midfielder being a fine professional rather than a pre-cursor to staying put.
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