After Euro 2024, Arsenal will ramp up their summer transfer ambitions, with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino being one of their main targets.

Merino is a wonderful fit for the number eight position, according to manager Mikel Arteta, who is eager to strengthen the midfield.

Merino is viewed by Arteta as a player who can improve the team’s performance because of his physicality. Despite Rice’s strong attacking output the previous season—seven goals and nine assists in the Premier League—this possible addition might also enable Rice to return to a deeper role.

Despite earlier rumors that he was leaving Arsenal, it looks like Thomas Partey will be sticking around for the US preseason tour. In light of this, Arsenal’s emphasis on acquiring a number eight, similar to Merino, makes sense.

Journalist Charles Watts has finally revealed what Spanish insiders have to sаy on Arsenal’s attempt to sign Mikel Merino, the star of Euro 2024.

Watt claims that although Real Sociedad is aware of Arsenal’s interest, other teams are also after Merino, who is available at a competitive price due to his recent 28th birthday and one year remaining on his contract.

“Arsenal is interested in midfielder Mikel Merino at Real Sociedad,” he revealed. To the best of my knowledge, though, no bid has been made; although, now that the Euros are over, the club may decide to go forward quickly with it.According to sources in Spain, Sociedad is aware of Arsenal’s interest in Merino, but other teams are also vying for his services because he only has one year remaining on his contract and is expected to be available for a fair price.

“Although he is a little older than the typical Arsenal target under Mikel Arteta and Edu, the Spain international recently turned 28 and possesses many of the qualities they are seeking in a new midfield player this summer.”

Prior to completing Merino’s acquisition, Arsenal might have to let go of a few players. Riccardo Calafiori is one player for whom Arsenal is willing to make an exception, but in order to get guys like Merino, they usually need open roster spots.

Arsenal’s goal of signing Merino fits with their overarching plan to bolster the team and contend at the top of both local and European leagues.