Arsenal have plenty of work to do before the end of the transfer window. With the Premier League season fast approaching, the Gunners are keen to finalize their squad and address key areas of need. Currently, Arsenal’s primary focus is on securing the services of Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
Arsenal’s Striker and Right Winger Needs
Many fans and pundits believe that Arsenal still need to bring in a new striker and a new right winger to strengthen their attacking options. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, speaking on The Debrief, Arsenal are not currently prioritizing these positions. Instead, their immediate attention is on signing Mikel Merino, an ‘incredible’ midfielder who could significantly bolster their midfield.
Focus on Mikel Merino
Romano shared insights on Arsenal’s pursuit of the Spanish midfielder:
“I don’t think it’s all about selling Nketiah, it’s about an opportunity they find for a new striker. At the moment I’m told that Arsenal are completely focused on Mikel Merino. Trying to complete the agreement for the Spanish midfielder to join from Real Sociedad,” Romano said.
“They have an agreement with the player and they are working on the deal with Real Sociedad with the deal structure.”
This statement indicates that Arsenal are keen on completing the Merino deal before turning their attention to other potential signings.
One Deal at a Time
Arsenal’s approach this summer has been to work on one deal at a time, ensuring they secure their targets efficiently. Romano highlighted this strategy, pointing out that while Arsenal were finalizing the Riccardo Calafiori move, they were simultaneously preparing to negotiate for Mikel Merino.
“Arsenal want to add one midfielder this summer, and Mikel Merino remains a strong option on the list. They have had contacts on the player’s side,” Romano explained.
“They have still not presented an offer to Real Sociedad, why? Because Arsenal like to work like this, deal by deal, so they are working on closing Calafiori, and then they will start concrete negotiations for a midfielder.”
Urgency with the Season Approaching
With the Premier League season just over a week away, Arsenal need to expedite their transfer activities. Securing Mikel Merino will allow them to shift focus to other areas that require reinforcement, such as the striker and right winger positions. Speed and efficiency in these negotiations will be crucial to ensure the team is fully prepared for the new season.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s current transfer strategy highlights their methodical approach to strengthening the squad. While fans may be eager for new attacking options, the immediate priority is securing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. Once this deal is concluded, Arsenal can then pivot their attention to other key positions. With the clock ticking, the Gunners must act swiftly to complete their transfer business and enter the new season with a competitive and well-rounded squad.
