The Gunners are said to be keen on signing a new midfielder in this transfer window and it initially looked like they were exploring the possibility of purchasing a new deep-lying playmaker.
Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana and Bruno Guimarães were all mentioned as potential targets earlier this summer. But, the North London club didn’t opt to make a concrete approach to sign anyone of them.
However, it now appears Arsenal aren’t looking to sign a new holding midfielder and instead, they are keen on purchasing a number eight with Merino emerging as the primary option.
The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract and hasn’t decided to sign an extension to take the next step in his career. So, La Real are said to be open to letting him leave this summer to avoid losing him for free next year.
Merino to Arsenal
According to the report by GiveMeSport, Merino is ‘keen’ on moving to the Emirates Stadium and helping the North London club finally win the Premier League title.
The report further claims that Arsenal are ‘optimistic’ of purchasing the midfielder for a discount fee of around £25m, although he has a £55m release clause due to his current contract situation.
The Spaniard is a technically sound player and possesses high qualities. He has showcased his abilities at the highest level with Real Sociedad over the last few years and in addition, he helped Spain win the European Championship last month. So, Merino would be a great acquisition for Arsenal if they purchase him before the end of this window.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna to strengthen the defence and additionally, they are also keen on signing a new striker with Eddie Nketiah looking likely to leave.
So, it is going to be interesting to see who Arsenal eventually opt to purchase to strengthen the attack and it is likely that the North London club will accelerate their efforts to bolster this position after finalising the Merino deal.
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