Merino confirmed, £55m deal done, Partey sold – Dream Arsenal midfield with two transfers
Arsenal appear to be reshaping their midfield ranks this summer in the hope of improving their depth in the department and ensuring that they have a range of profiles to guide them to Premier League glory.
With Albert Sambi Lokonga already sold and Emile Smith Rowe on the cusp of joining Fulham, the Gunners are expected to ramp up their business centrally to ensure that Mikel Arteta has enough time to integrate new signings into his squad.
Although questions were raised about his £100million price tag just 12 months ago, Declan Rice took a major step towards justifying the figure last season. The England international added goals and assists to his already-well-rounded game and will remain a stalwart at the Emirates Stadium for many years to come.
Mikel Merino
Arsenal have identified Spain international Mikel Merino as their top target in midfield this summer. Contact has reportedly already been made with the Real Sociedad playmaker to sound out their interest and gauge his situation amid rival interest from Barcelona. Merino is capable of playing as a No. 6 and a No. 8, and his towering, physical build fits the bill in what Arteta demands in central areas.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard led by example for Arsenal last season, and the Norway international will be hoping to build on his impressive campaign which saw him score eight goals and register 10 assists in 35 Premier League appearances. With Merino’s contract with Sociedad expiring in 2025, Arsenal will be hoping that they can strike a cut-price deal to secure the signature of the 28-year-old soon.
Dani Olmo
If Arsenal are to challenge on all fronts next season, injecting further quality and versatility into their ranks is never a bad thing. As a result, they could look to firm up their interest in RB Leipzig’s creative midfielder Dani Olmo. The Spain international is available for a fee in the region of £55m and acquiring his services would be a major sign of intent from the Gunners.
Player sales
With Merino and Rice both capable of playing in deeper areas, Arsenal may look to finally offload Thomas Partey. The Ghana international has suitors in the Saudi Pro League and therefore cashing in on the ex-Atletico Madrid star to fund other signings could be the next best step for Arsenal to take this
