Arsenal are currently very busy in the summer transfer market. Firstly, the process was very slow. It was due to the Euro 2024 and Copa America. However, both competitions helped the club in looking for top players. The club was impressed by two Euro 2024 stars. These players were not part of their plans before the international tournament started. However, their good performances caught the eyes of Mikel Arteta. Gunners have even completed the signing of one of those two stars. Now, Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal are fully focused on the transfer of Mikel Merino.
Arsenal fell short of 2 points last season to win the Premier League title. They want to improve their squad this year. There are many players who will be moving away from the club. Arsenal wanted to sign four or five new players. Out of those, two are already sorted out. David Raya has joined the club on permanent basis. In addition, Riccardo Calafiori has joined Arsenal after a long wait. Now Gunners want to sign a midfielder and a striker. These four positions were priority for the club.
However, they also feel the need to sign a quality right winger. Bukayo Saka who plays on the right wing is unable to get enough rest. There is a need to improve the attacking of the club. However Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal are in no hurry to sign attackers. He said that the club is operating in an unique way. According to him, the club is fully focused on a midfielder right now.
Arsenal focused on Merino transfer
Mikel Merino became the Gunners target after his good performances in Euros. Firstly, Arsenal were linked to his club and international teammate Martin Zubimendi. However, Zubimendi does not want to leave Spain. Gunners are looking to part ways with Thomas Partey. Mikel Merino played an important part in making Spain champions of Europe. He scored a last minute goal against Germany to knock them out. Mikel Arteta wants to sign and pair him with Declan Rice.
Fabrizio Romano said that Arsenal are not looking to sign attackers yet. He said that Gunners are fully focused on signing Mikel Merino. Romano added that Arsenal are looking to complete the deal with Real Sociedad. They have already agreed on personal terms with the player. Romano said that Arsenal are working on one deal at a time. He said it is similar to when the signed Riccardo Calafiori. He added that Arsenal will want to add one midfielder to there current squad. According to Mundo Deportivo, Mikel Merino is the top target of the club.
Gunners face competition from Barcelona
Arsenal are very likely to sign Mikel Merino in this transfer market. However, they are facing competition from FC Barcelona. Barcelona have signed Dani Olmo and now they want to sign Mikel Merino too. Firstly, Barca wanted to sign Nico Williams. However, they seem to miss out on that signing as they are in big financial crisis right now. Hence, they are now focused to improve their midfield.
Barca have not found the proper replacement for Sergio Busquets. They see Mikel Merino as one of the options to replace Busquets. However it would be hard for them to pay the demanded price by Real Sociedad. Sociedad want atleast €30 million for Merino. It would have been more but his current contract expires next year. Sociedad will not want to let Merino go for free. Hence they are ready to part ways with him this summer. Due to the transfer fees, Arsenal are ahead in the race over Barcelona.
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