Transfer speculation is rife around the Gunners right now as they seek to sign a new midfielder, wide forward and defender in the summer.
Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to see further improvements made to the squad and reports are suggesting that Spanish duo Nico Williams and midfielder Mikel Merino are of interest.
Indeed, it was claimed just today that Arteta himself has called Merino about a potential move to The Emirates.
And amid those reports, Arsenal’s lane to sign the Spaniard could be clear after Unai Emery made his own comments on Merino.
Speaking to the Spanish press in comments relayed by Estadio Deportivo, Emery has said that there’s simply not truth to the suggestions Villa will go for Merino.
“It’s all a lie. There has been no interest in signing Mikel Merino while I’ve coached Aston Villa. One makes up a rumour and launches it. People pick it up and make it their own,” Emery said.
“La Real have very good footballers and there could be interesting players for Aston Villa, but we have not even promoted interest in any player. In the specific case of Merino there is nothing.”
Merino could solve Arsenal’s midfield conundrum
It’s absolutely no secret at all that Arteta wants someone in alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice and Merino could be the solution for the Gunners.
Praised previously as a ‘tidy’ midfielder who is comfortable on the ball, Merino has gone on to excel over in Spain since signing for Real Sociedad.
The only question mark would be around his age, with Merino now 28 and in his prime, Arsenal may not get much in terms of resale value if it goes wrong.
However, in terms of getting a sitting midfielder to release Rice a bit, Merino is ideal.
And with Emery ruling out Aston Villa, the path looks pretty clear now.
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