DEAL CONFIRMED: Club has finally came to an agreement with Arsenal over the signing of £50m superstar,4yr deal with option for further season set to be agreed tonight – transfer expert reports
Arsenal are now just one friendly away from their Premier League season opener against Wolves following Wednesday’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners were able to seal themselves an impressive victory on home soil against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Mikel Arteta has to have been delighted with what he saw as Arsenal went into the break three goals up after an electric start.
But it seems the Gunners are not looking to stand still with time still on their side to work some deals in the market.
It has not exactly been the busiest of transfer windows in north London, but Arsenal have focused on quality and have been able to bring in Riccardo Calafiori.
Signing number two could be just around the corner, though, as Arsenal now plot a bid for one of their targets over the coming days.
Arsenal are now preparing bid for the coming days
The Gunners are by no means desperate for a whole host of new players to come through the doors over the coming weeks.
However, Arsenal will be very much aware that a few quality additions could be all it takes to see them overturn Manchester City at the top of the table.
It’s a game of fine margins between the top two going into the new campaign and adding players to improve the starting XI – or even the squad depth – could be massive.
And there is one player who Arteta is now desperate to get over the line and through the doors.
According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal are set to lodge their first bid for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino over the coming days after talks on Thursday.
A move for Merino is now being pushed as a priority following Liverpool’s emerging interest in Martin Zubimendi over recent hours.
There will be a fear that if Liverpool are able to secure their man, it may put any deal for Merino at risk with Zubimendi expected to demand a huge fee.
This is a player who Arteta wants at Arsenal and he is of full belief that Merino would be able to compliment Declan Rice in the middle.
Arsenal could land Mikel Merino before Wolves clash
It seems as if Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi has really put the fear into Arsenal of potentially losing out on a deal for Merino.
If a bid is to be lodged over the coming days, a quick agreement is going to be on the mind of the Gunners.
Edu Gaspar has just over a week before Wolves visit north London and if a quick deal can be agreed, he could well be signed in time.
However, any notion of the ‘world class‘ Merino playing against Wolves could be a long shot considering the strength of Arsenal’s midfield already.
Despite being a part of Spain’s Euros-winning side, Merino is likely going to need a couple of weeks in Arsenal training before being put into the side.
