Mikel Arteta is now insisting that Arsenal sign one Euro 2024 midfield star in this summer transfer window.
Arsenal need to address their lack of depth in the middle of the park this summer.
Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal this summer. Mohamed Elneny has departed the Emirates Stadium already, and Jorginho is in the twilight years of his career.
Mikel Arteta understands that Declan Rice needs support in midfield, and is exploring potential acquisitions in this transfer window.
Arsenal have been linked with move for Bruno Guimaraes. Everton star Amadou Onana has also been named in connection with Arsenal, and is currently impressing for Belgium at Euro 2024.
However, it is another Euro 2024 star that Arteta has his heart set on.
Mikel Arteta insists that Arsenal sign Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is currently in Germany as part of the Spain squad, competing at the summer tournament.
According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are determined to secure the 28-year-old’s services this summer.
As quoted by Sport Witness, the Gunners will pursue a move for Merino “no matter what”, knowing that he could be available for around just £21 million.
Arteta has already made contact with the Real Sociedad star, and is said to have “seduced” Merino with his “big plans” for the player.
However, it is unlikely that any deal will be finalised whilst the Euros are still taking place, as Merino’s current focus will surely be fixed on that competition.
Who is Arsenal midfield transfer target Merino?
It is easy to see why Arteta is so keen to sign Merino this summer. The 23-cap international would provide a cost-effective solution to one of the current issues in the Arsenal squad.
He is supremely technically gifted, comfortable on the ball in confined areas, and offers extra security in the middle of the park. He can also chip in with the odd goal.
On top of that, Merino also boasts some Premier League experience, as he spent the 2017/18 season with Newcastle United, making 24 appearances in the top flight of English football.
Merino may not represent, perhaps, the most exciting possible signing, and certainly isn’t the biggest name that the Gunners have been linked with. However, his arrival would address a flaw in Arteta’s squad in a manner that would leave funds free to invest in other areas of the team.