Mikel Arteta has the chance to bring in some players before the end of the transfer window. Here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours...
Midfielder latest
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Arsenal are pushing ahead in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and are looking to reach an ‘agreement’ with the La Liga ace, according to a report by GiveMeSport. He helped Spain win Euro 2024 after they beat England in the final of the tournament in Germany.
Merino, who is 28-years-old, has been on the books at Real Socidad since 2018. He has been a key player for them over recent years and has made 242 appearances in all competitions to date, chipping in with 27 goals, eight of which came in the last campaign.
He rose up through the academy ranks at Osasuna and broke into their first-team as a youngster. He then had spells at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United before making the switch to San Sebastian six years ago.
His former Osasuna teammate Miguel Flaño has said, as per Sky Sports: "I think that tournament (Euro 2024) was a good reflection of him. He is used to starting games and being very important for his club. But his role at the European Championship was something different. Although he wasn't a starter, he showed a lot of humility, understanding he could still be important in another way.
"And as we saw, he was decisive, most of all with his goal against Germany but also in the games when he didn't score. He just puts the team first and thinks about how he can help."
He added: "Mikel was always a very complete player. He is technically very good and he is tactically very intelligent because he understands football so well. His aerial game is valuable both in defensive and attacking set-pieces. He can really make the difference in those situations.
"And then, in terms of his mentality, he is a boy who doesn't feel pressure and has the personality to step up in important games."
Goalkeeper update
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein is heading to Real Vallodolid on loan, as per the Evening Standard. The stopper is moving to Spain on a temporary basis to get some more experience under his belt in La Liga.
The 22-year-old was handed a new deal earlier this year and will hope to boost his development now. The Estonia international moved to the Emirates Stadium back in 2018 and has since made one appearance for their first-team to date.
After penning an extension with the Gunners, he said: “I'm delighted to extend my contract and continue my journey in this amazing club after six years. Hopefully, there will be even more good memories and successes for the club."
Arteta added: "Karl has continued to impress us with his attitude and commitment to getting better every day. We value being part of his continued development and I want to congratulate him on earning a new deal with the club."
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