The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window thus far, but they’re expected to add a couple of players to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
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Arsenal are looking to sign a left-back, a midfielder, a wide player, and a striker this summer, but they’ll need to offload fringe players before reinforcing the squad.
David Raya has been the only major acquisition. The Spanish goalkeeper secured his permanent transfer from Brentford after a successful season on loan with the Gunners.
The Gunners are now interested in reuniting the 28-year-old with his countryman and international teammate Merino.
The Real Sociedad midfielder was part of the Spain squad that clinched the 2024 European Championship title in Berlin.
His only goal in the tournament was the match-winner in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Euro 2024 hosts Germany.
Arsenal’s interest in Merino predates the Euro 2024 tournament, but the player’s performance in Germany has bolstered his reputation.
He has one year left on his contract with Sociedad and could be available for £20 million, but Barca are also serious about signing the midfielder this summer.
New Barca manager Hansi Flick wants a box-to-box midfielder, and the club views Merino as a cost-effective alternative to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich.
Merino made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring eight times and providing five assists.
He’d add depth to Arsenal’s midfield or could be a like-for-like replacement for Thomas Partey, who is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium.
Barca are currently prioritising a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, so Arsenal can use that to their advantage to seal a deal for Merino, who Kieran Tierney described as ‘world-class’ last term.
The Gunners are also keen on Williams, but they need to offload several fringe players before submitting an official bid to sign the Euro 2024 star.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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