While it may seem that Riccardo Calafiori will be the next name in the door at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are still working hard to strengthen elsewhere, and one Spanish European Championship hero remains high on their wish list.
CaughtOffside's sources with knowledge of the Gunners' transfer plans have revealed that this North London team wants to move forward in negotiations to sign Real Sociedad's talented player, 28, from Spain, Mikel Merino.
Mikel Merino tops Arsenal's wish list
It is understood that the Gunners have received information about the player's situation by meeting with the player's agents, and plan to make an opening bid of around 30 million euros soon.
Sources also note that Manchester United continue to monitor Merino's situation, but the Red Devils do not intend to prioritize his transfer at this stage of the summer window.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are still in talks with Merino's camp, and both La Liga giants are said to be ready and willing to make an offer of between €25m-€30m for Real Sociedad.
From La Real's point of view, they are left with no choice but to sell a player they rank incredibly high.
He has rejected their offer to extend the contract twice, and if no proposal is improved, the player will listen to what other clubs have to say.
Merino is at the top of Mikel Arteta's shortlist this summer, although it is not yet clear whether the player wishes to try a new experience in the Premier League, or if he will continue his career in La Liga.
Given Arteta's career, which spanned time at Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team (up to U21 level), there's a good chance he could persuade his compatriot to move to North London, and obviously within the next few weeks. they will be important in terms of any negotiations.
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