Arsenal finalised a new signing this week with Riccardo Calafiori finally completing his move from Bologna – and another signing may be close.
The Gunners are preparing for another Premier League title push but suffered defeat on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta saw his side lose 2-1 at the hands of Liverpool in a pre-season friendly over in Philadelphia.
That won’t worry the Arsenal boss too much right now but the Premier League season is fast approaching.
Arsenal have snapped up David Raya permanently before landing Riccardo Calafiori earlier this week.
The Calafiori deal took a while to materialise but Arsenal are now hoping to secure another signing just days later.
Real Sociedad find Mikel Merino replacement as Arsenal close in
Arsenal want to add another midfielder this summer.
Granit Xhaka hasn’t quite been replaced yet and Arsenal are focusing on signing another experienced, left-footed midfielder.
Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino is the man Arsenal want and a deal is moving closer.
HITC understands that Merino has rejected a new contract in San Sebastian as he wants to join Arsenal.
A four-year deal has been agreed in principle and Arsenal are advancing talks over a deal worth around £25million.
Real Sociedad now appear to be resigned to losing Merino amid claims from Spain that his replacement has already been identified.
AS report that Sociedad have picked Red Bull Salzburg talent Luka Sucic to replace Merino.
A deal for the Croatian is ‘very advanced’ and Sucic is ready to sign for around €10million (£8.5million).
It’s added that Arsenal are expected to go ‘all out’ for Merino and Sociedad have decided to move quickly for Sucic.
Merino profiled
Merino hails from Pamplona and came up in the ranks with hometown club Osasuna.
The 6ft 2in midfielder racked up eight goals in 67 appearances for Osasuna before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
Merino’s move to Germany was a real struggle, playing just nine times before heading to Newcastle United on loan.
The Magpies quickly turned the move permanently but his nomadic run continued as he joined Real Sociedad in 2018.
After three transfers in three straight summers, Merino needed to settle down – and that is exactly what he managed to do with Real.
Merino has now racked up more than 240 appearances for Real, scoring 27 times whilst becoming a regular with Spain.
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney hailed Merino as ‘world-class’ last season, alongside teammates Martin Zubimendi and Brais Mendez.
Now ready for another crack at English football after sending Spain into the Euro 2024 semi-finals, Merino will be hoping to shine under a former Real Sociedad midfielder in Arteta.
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