After missing out on the Premier League on the final day of the season, Mikel Arteta will be determined to finally snatch Pep Guardiola's crown. While transfer window doesn't shut until the end of August, the opening day of the campaign is just around the corner.
Arsenal face Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on August 17 – so the north Londoners need to get a move on. With that being said, football.london has taken a look at three players Arteta could welcome to London Colney by the end of the week.
Mikel Merino
Arsenal are interested in signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, football.london understands. The 28-year-old, who fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory over the summer, has emerged as a target for the Gunners as Arteta looks to bolster his options in midfield.
Merino featured 32 times in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists. Playing a key role in Imanol Alguacil's side, he helped Real Sociedad finish sixth and secure Europa League qualification.
Merino could be exactly what Arsenal need to finally dethrone Man City in the Premier League title race. Not only does the Real maestro offer great experience and excellent technical qualities, but he also brings physicality – he's as well-rounded as you're going to get in the current market.
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz also caught the eye during the European Championships. The 28-year-old midfielder started all but one of Spain's games in Germany over the summer, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
Playing a crucial role in Luis de la Fuente's side, Ruiz reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal while firing La Roja to Euro 2024 glory. According to Duncan Castles on the Transfers Podcast, Arsenal have 'initiated' talks with Paris Saint-Germain for the playmaker, who sees his contract in the French capital expire in June 2027.
The report states that the Gunners' move for Ruiz hinges on the departure of a midfielder from the Emirates Stadium. Castles adds that if Arsenal agree a fee with PSG then it's likely to be structured in a way to David Raya's deal with Brentford – a loan with an obligation to buy a year later.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League following his impressive performances last season for Sporting CP. The 26-year-old striker, who still has four years left on his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium, scored 29 goals in 33 games in the Portuguese top flight.
Fortunately, his performances haven't gone under the radar. In March, football.london understood that Arsenal were closely monitoring Gyokeres, who helped Sporting win the Primeira Liga.
Then, in April, Hasan Cetinkaya provided an update on the Sweden international's future. Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record, Gyokeres' agent said: "I would say that at this stage it's important to know about Sporting's future and what will happen with Ruben Amorim because we came here for him.
"We have to know what Sporting's plans are. But we also have to respect Sporting because we chose them. They need to present us with their ideas but I can say that right now, there are a lot of clubs that want to sign him. We have not made any decision at the moment, nor are we going to make a decision on this or about staying."
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