The Gunners signed Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a deal said to be worth £42million.
Arsenal also signed Tommy Setford in July, but the England youth international will initially be playing for the Under-21s.
With August now upon us, transfer activity across Europe could intensify as the various dominoes start falling.
And according to a report from CaughtOffside, Arsenal now aren’t far off making their second senior signing of the summer.
Mikel Merino of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Spain v France at Munich Football Arena on July 09, 2024 in Munich, Germany.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Arsenal closing in on Mikel Merino
The player in question is Mikel Merino, who has made a name for himself at Real Sociedad and helped Spain win Euro 2024.
According to the report, Arsenal are “set to complete” a deal with La Liga outfit worth around £34million plus bonuses.
The Gunners have apparently agreed a five-year contract with Merino, with Mikel Arteta convincing him that a move to N5 would be the most beneficial for his career.
Arteta’s appreciation of Merino’s talents and the promise of ample playing time was enough to convince the midfielder to agree to a move, added the report.
The report, citing its sources, claimed that negotiations for Merino are now in the final stages and Arsenal could announce the deal “in a few days.”
Now, it looks as though the Gunners are closing in on the signing of Merino, who boasts a particularly impressive CV.
Merino has excelled with Spain throughout his career, winning Euro 2024, the Nations Cup and two Euros at age level, plus a Spanish Cup with Sociedad and a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund.
Merino, who Barcelona and Spain star Pedri has described as “very complete” (Mundo Deportivo), also has Premier League experience, courtesy of a stint at Newcastle in 2017/18.
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