Arsenal have struck gold from the “magnificent” ace who called for more than Merino and Williams

It's less than a week until the transfer window closes, and some teams have been incredibly busy, like Chelsea, others less so, like Arsenal.

The North Londoners haven't been the quietest Premier League club this summer, but compared to the past few years, their business has perhaps been less than expected.

That said, Mikel Arteta has welcomed Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, and while this has been a month in the making, the club appear to have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

Although perhaps the most exciting development in the last few days concerns his fellow Spaniard, Nico Williams.

However, while the Gunners may end the window by splashing the cash on a few players on the left, there is already a player in the squad worth more than the two.

The latest from Merino and Williams

Yes, after months of reports and countless updates about how close the transfer was to completion, Arsenal looks like they have finally secured the services of Real Sociedad ace Merino.

Transport specialist Fabrizio Romano offered a 'go-to' deal on Thursday afternoon before it was confirmed by Sky Sports News on Friday night, for a fee thought to be around £28m, or £33m including add-ons.

The experienced midfielder is sure to add another wound to the Gunners' stomach this season, but he won't be the only European champion to come to N5 before the window closes.

Yes, while Williams looked set to stay with Athletic Bilbao late last month, reports now suggest that Edu and Co could make a final push to convince him to join Arteta's project in North London.

According to a report from Independent Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, the Gunners “looked up” for the winger last week, despite being aware of his desire to stay in Spain.

If the title chasers can work their magic and change his mind, they will have to shell out £48m to trigger his release clause, although considering he bagged 27 goals and assists last season, that would be a hefty sum.

However, although both of these left-footed players can cost the club a pretty penny, there is one in the team who works on this side who is more expensive.

Gabriel Martinelli's rating in 2024

Yes, Arsenal's current rising star on the left is, of course, Gabriel Martinelli.

Now, the 23-year-old didn't have the best campaign last season, but even in a disappointing year, he still managed to score eight goals and provide five assists in 44 appearances, which equates to an average goal involvement every 3.38 games.

In addition, last season, he was simply electric, and it was during this campaign, the first time the Gunners made a real challenge for the title in years, that the former Ituano gem showed the league that he is a special talent and has raw ingredients. to become the leading scorer in the Premier League.

In 46 games, the “fascinating” dynamo, as called by the U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 15 times and provided six assists, which means that he produced an average goal involvement every 2.19 games.

In total, the Guarulhos-born star has made 175 first-team appearances since his £6m youth move in 2019, scoring 41 goals, providing 24 assists and seeing his fee rise to €70m, according to reports. on Transfermarkt, which converts to £59m.

While that's a lot of money and well above the potential costs for both Merino and Williams, it would be hard to deny that it's unfair following Martinelli's progress over the past few years and the fact that, at 23, he should only get better. and, next, it is very important.