Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. The Gunners have reportedly agreed to a deal of £25m for the Spaniard. The English giants are keen on improving their midfield after strengthening their defence. Mikel Arteta wants to provide an efficient partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
The 28 year old is also pushing for a move to the Emirates. He has rejected an offer from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Real Sociedad has not called up Merino for their friendly games, hinting at an imminent departure. Mikel Arteta’s project has convinced the Spaniard to join the Premier league giants.
The club officials want to get this deal done as soon as possible. The Gunners will play in the Champions league this year. They intend to head to the new season with a fully armored squad. The North Londoners missed out on winning the Premier league by a small margin twice in a row. This season they are keen on ending this drought.
Mikel Merino is a machine in the middle of the park. One of his best skills is his ability to win possession from the opponents. He is one of the best box to box midfielders in Spain. He knows when he has to cover the defence and when he has to move forward to help his team. The Gunners will benefit a lot from his signing.
Real Sociedad making negotiations difficult for the Gunners
Mikel Merino became a heroic figure in Spain after he netted the winner against Germany in Extra time. The Euro champ wants to start a new adventure in a new league. His club, Real Sociedad are set to lose midfield duo Zubimendi and Merino together. This has created a confusion within the club and about their future. According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Sociedad chiefs are in an attempt to keep hold of at least one of the duo – with Zubimendi’s £51million release clause in Liverpool’s sights.
Sociedad will do everything to keep the Spaniard at the club. According to recent reports, they have made a new contract offer to him that will make him the highest paid player in the club. However his wages at Arsenal will still be higher. The Gunners are still favourites to sign the Spaniard even after these recent complications.
The Premier league giants are also keen on replacing striker Eddie Nketiah. According to reports, Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have emerged as the potential transfer targets for Arsenal.
Arsenal eager to sign a new striker
Mikel Arteta has requested the board to sign a new striker. Striker Eddie Nketiah’s departure is imminent this season. The manager does not include him in his plans moving forward, prompting the urgency. Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney are on their wish list.
According to tbrfootball, the Gunners have ignited their interest in Victor Osimhen once again. The Nigerian has asked Napoli to leave and they will not stand in his way. However, they are not prepared to let him leave for a lesser valuation. Manager Antonio Conte has not included him in his preseason squad indicating his departure soon.
Arsenal will compete with rivals Chelsea for the signature of the Nigerian. For all that is known, his next destination will be in the Premier league.
The Gunners are also interested in signing Ivan Toney from Brentford. The Bees have set a pricetag of £30m for the Englishman. Rivals Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham are also in the race for the England international. Toney is one of the most prolific goal scorers in England currently. He excels in the air which makes him a good pick for Arsenal. A final call will be made in the club soon regarding this situation soon.
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