According to Now Arsenal, Arsenal target Mikel Merino can stay at Real Sociedad after the two clubs failed to reach a deal for the midfielder. Arsenal had an amazing transfer window this summer. The Gunner’s first signing of the summer was Italian sensation Riccardo Calafiori. The defender had his breakout season with Bologna last year under Thiago Motta. Calafiori helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place. The defender was also called up for Italy’s Euro 24 campaign. Although Italy could not perform well, the young defender made his name worldwide in this tournament.
Riccardo Calafiori will help Arsenal and Mikel Arteta improve their already strong defense. Last season, Arsenal conceded only 29 goals in the Premier League. This is a very impressive record for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners. Most credit goes to the center-back duo of William Saliba and Gabriel. Saliba has cemented himself as one of the best center-backs in the Premier League. The defender was also called by Didier Deschamps for the France Euro 24 campaign. Saliba kept his form and helped France keep one of the best defensive records in the tournament. Another person who deserves credit is former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. After making his anticipated move to Arsenal, the English midfielder transformed the club. Rice stood like a rock for Arsenal in midfield and helped the club defend many goals.
Real Sociedad denied Arsenal target due to transfer fee
After keeping this amazing defensive record last season, Arsenal still ended up as runners-up. This is the second consecutive time Arsenal ends up as runners-up. This was a very heartbreaking moment for Arsenal fans last season. However, this made it clear that Arsenal needed more improvement in their squad. One of the reasons Arsenal is unable to clinch the title is their attack. During the final match week, Arsenal attackers ran out of steam, and their performance dropped. This led to many points falling out of Arsenal’s hands.
Arsenal needs some more reinforcements for next season. Spanish hero Mikel Merino was one of their top targets for this summer. The Real Sociedad midfielder scored for Spain in the Euros 24 to knock out the hosts, Germany. Signing Mikel Merino would bring the necessary mentality and experience to the Arsenal squad. The midfielder is also very versatile and can help Arsenal with injuries. However, Real Sociedad are asking €35 million (£29.8 million) for the Spanish midfielder. The talks between the two clubs are still going on, but there is no official deal currently for the midfielder.
Will not signing a striker hurt Arsenal for next season?
Mikel Merino would have been a useful signing for the Gunners to improve their midfield. However, many fans are criticizing Arsenal for not signing a world-class striker this summer. The main goalscoring responsibilities at Arsenal are taken up by English youngster Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal winger was also called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 24 campaign. Saka is a very important player for the England team and is in contention to become the future captain of the Three Lions. However, we can forget that Saka is still young and cannot take all the pressure alone.
Arsenal target Spanish winger Nico Williams this summer to help Saka. However, that deal also collapsed after many clubs tried signing the winger. Arsenal still have a very good squad for next season. After an amazing preseason, the Gunners will be ready for next season. Arsenal even beat the unbeaten Bayern Leverkusen in the preseason to make a statement to the rest of the Premier League clubs.
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