Their priority target for midfield, though is Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Arteta thinks signing Merino will help Arsenal dominate sides
There are suggestions that Merino has agreed personal terms to join Arsenal, and it is also believed that a deal is very close to completion after weeks of talks.
"Let me tell you again here, guys, don’t worry Arsenal fans, Merino is coming and is coming very soon," said Fabrizio Romano in a recent update on Merino.
“They are fixing the final details of the deal, but Mikel Merino is fully expected to become a new Arsenal player in the final days of the summer transfer window.”
Mikel Merino
The 28-year-old would be an excellent coup for Edu and co, as he impressed for Sociedad last season and helped Spain to win the Euros in Germany. Merino scored eight goals and assisted five others in 45 appearances last season, but Arsenal's manager wants him for a key reason.
According to Standard Sport and journalist Simon Collings, Arteta believes signing Merino will help Arsenal absolutely dominate sides, with the 6 foot 2 midfielder boasting impressive physicality and work rate.
Collings writes that Merino is valued at around £30 million too, due to the fact he's entered the final season of his contract and could leave for nothing next year. This seems like a real bargain opportunity for the north Londoners, and one which Arteta is personally keen to get over the line.
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