Arsenal‘s summer transfer window is in full swing, with the club confirming the acquisition of defender Riccardo Calafiori, finalising the signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, and reportedly expressing interest in Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.
Merino reportedly agrees Arsenal deal after rejecting Barcelona
Spain’s midfielder #06 Mikel Merino celebrates after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s pursuit of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is nearing completion, with the player reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the club. Merino, currently at Real Sociedad and a recent European Championship winner with Spain, had interest from Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona but favoured Arsenal’s offer due to various factors, including Barcelona’s financial issues.
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Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, views Merino as a key addition to strengthen the midfield for the upcoming Premier League season. Negotiations are ongoing between Arsenal and Real Sociedad over a transfer fee, expected to be around €25-30 million. Real Sociedad is preparing for Merino’s departure by targeting Valencia’s Javi Guerra as a replacement.
Arsenal considered Bayer Leverkusen signing before Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Arsenal recently signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, finalising a five-year contract. Before deciding on Calafiori, Arsenal explored other defensive options, including Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen and Jorrel Hato of Ajax.
While Hato was no longer available after signing a new contract with Ajax, Hincapie, who has been linked with Arsenal since December 2022, was a serious contender, especially after an impressive season with Leverkusen, where he played 43 matches and won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
Despite not signing Hincapie, Arsenal’s defensive needs appear to be fulfilled with Calafiori’s acquisition.
Arsenal ready to pounce for Bayern Munich winger
HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY – JULY 02: Leroy Sane of Germany talks to the media during a press conference at Herzo-Base on July 02, 2024 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Leroy Sane is not expected to leave Bayern Munich this summer, as he is comfortable with the team and city and is likely to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2025.
However, Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation, as they have a good relationship with Sane and could pursue him if contract negotiations with Bayern fall through. Although Arsenal are interested in Sane, a move seems unlikely as Bayern have not secured their own transfer targets and are keen to keep the 28-year-old winger.
Sane scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists for Bayern last season, and Arsenal are exploring options for a winger, including links to Nico Williams.
