For context, by this time last season, Arsenal had signed all of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
Edu had all three signings in place for the club’s pre-season tour, something which seems unlikely to happen this time around.
Arsenal jet off to the US on Sunday to play three Premier League rivals and it seems very unlikely that Riccardo Calafiori, who is reportedly the most progressed deal right now, will be done in time.
Arsenal are willing to forgo their transfer strategy to sign Calafiori, but it still doesn’t seem as if a move is close to completion.
Mikel Merino of Spain celebrates victory after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berli...
Photo by Edith Geuppert – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Merino, who formerly played for Newcastle United in the Premier League, has now become a target for Arsenal as a result.
And journalist Dean Jones has now explained more, saying that Arsenal have ‘genuinely’ been in contact.
Arsenal supporters told to ‘look out’ for Mikel Merino move
At this point of the window it can be hard to decide what to believe – Arsenal are credibly linked with a lot of players.
But when speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, Jones said ‘something has happened’ between Arsenal and Merino, one to keep an eye on.
He shared: “On Arsenal, I would look out for Mikel Merino. That is true, there is something in Merino.
“I don’t know how far it has gone yet, I think it will become quite clear soon, but something has happened, at least an initial discussion.”
Encouraging news for Arsenal fans, who will be keen to see a new number eight arrive given Kai Havertz is now preferred as a striker.
Merino could be Arteta’s new Granit Xhaka – a left-footer who is incredibly adept in attacking areas, but also seldom loses a duel.
Earlier in the window it was thought that Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal, however links between the midfielder and a move to Saudi Arabia appeared to have cooled.
And with Jorginho signed to a new contract and Partey potentially staying, there wouldn’t be sufficient space for Arsenal to sign a new number six.
Therefore, with his attacking credentials, ‘world-class’ Merino would add excellent depth to Arteta’s squad should talks advance.
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