Arsenal Target Mikkel Merino After Signing Riccardo CalafioriArsenal Target Mikkel Merino After Signing Riccardo Calafiori Following the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal is actively pursuing another significant signing for the upcoming summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have been diligently working to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title last campaign, finishing just two points behind in the final game of the season. With Calafiori now on board, Arsenal is ready to seek reinforcements. They have established contact with a key player on their wish list: Mikkel Merino. Merino’s Eligibility and Arsenal’s Interest Arsenal has been searching for a new midfielder, and Merino has emerged as their primary target. The Spaniard’s contract with Real Sociedad is set to expire this summer, making him a viable option. Negotiations Underway Arsenal has initiated talks with Real Sociedad regarding Merino’s transfer. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal has “made contact” with the player to explore a potential move. Romano states, “Merino is one of the names on Arsenal’s list. There is no offer on the table yet, but they have expressed interest and have made some contact with the player side.” Arteta’s Familiarity and Expectations Mikel Arteta is familiar with Merino’s abilities, having closely followed Real Sociedad’s impressive play in recent years. If Arsenal successfully acquires Merino and adds a prolific attacker, they are likely to be considered favorites for the upcoming Premier League title.
After signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal are looking to sign another key player this summer.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have been working hard to strengthen their squad for the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Arsenal came so close to winning the title last campaign – they went into the final game of the season just two points short. That was heartbreaking!
Now that Calafiori has arrived, Arsenal are ready to take the next step and contact has already been made with one player.
Mikel Merino is high on Arsenal’s wish list.
The Gunners are looking for a new midfielder this summer, with several names linked with the player in recent months.
Arsenal have decided not to pursue interest in Douglas Luiz and Amadou Onana, who have now left for Juventus and Aston Villa respectively.
TBR Football exclusively revealed that Merino is Arsenal’s leading candidate after Calafiori’s arrival, and things appear to be looking up now.
The Spaniard, whose contract expires this summer, is expected to leave Real Sociedad. Arsenal are in talks with the club.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who revealed the Gunners have ‘made contact’ with the player to discuss a potential transfer this summer.
He told GiveMeSport: “Merino is one of the names they have on the list. In this case, there is no offer on the table. But there is interest and they have made some contact with the player side.
“The relationship is also good. Mikel Arteta used to follow Real Sociedad very well, because they have been playing very attractive football in recent years. He knows Mikel Merino very well.”
Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta’s masterplan to make Arsenal great again
Arsenal’s player recruitment has been virtually flawless over the past two seasons.
The Gunners have come a long way in that regard: the days of paying outrageous sums for unproven players are over.
Everything is well planned now and you can understand why Arsenal are targeting certain players.
Going into the 2023/24 season, if you had to point out a weakness in the Gunners’ team, it would be the left side of their pitch. The departure of Granit Xhaka was a huge blow and affected both the left wing and left back positions.
Arteta has identified that and Calafiori solves one big problem. Merino will certainly solve the other, and that could be enough for Arsenal to fully enter the title race.
If Arsenal can add Merino to their squad and subsequently sign a prolific attacker, the Gunners are likely to start the season as favourites to win the Premier League.
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