It’s been a very quiet transfer window so far for Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal only managing to secure Riccardo Calafiori’s signing, as well as making David Raya’s loan move permanent.
There’s a school of thought that, in fact, there were only ever one or two tweaks that needed to be made this summer, given the strength of the squad already.
That’s as maybe, however, there’s clearly at least one more signing that the Spaniard wants to make before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks time.
Arsenal have bid rejected for player Arteta loves
The North Londoners have been tracking Real Sociedad’s midfielder, Mikel Merino, for some while now, but a deal to suit all parties hasn’t yet been forthcoming.
It’s understood that the player would agree to a move to the Gunners, though after a brilliant European Championship with Spain, it’s clear that his value has increased.
According to The Times (subscription required), his current club have also turned down a bid from Arsenal, throwing the transfer Gunners plans into chaos on the eve of the new season.
With two weeks left of the transfer window to go, there’s still plenty of time for a deal to be constructed and got over the line, however, it suits no one for talks to still be ongoing right until the last knockings this summer.
There’s some degree of certainty to a move taking place at some point, albeit La Real are well within their rights to hold out for top dollar in negotiations.
When and if Arteta finally gets his man, it will add the strength in depth that the Spaniard and all Arsenal fans will hope will be the difference in finally overhauling Man City at the English top-flight summit.
BS narrative. From all the rumours (such a reliable source!), it’s clear Arsenal have so far been the only serious bidder, so Sociedad are doing the same thing West Ham did last summer – pretend they’re not interested in the hopes that someone pays them more.
So, all this BS about “throwing the transfer Gunners [sic!] plans into chaos on the eve of the new season” is just talk.
Old news I,m afraid lol,2nd bid coming up with Edu there in person
Wow, what old news – is this really not just a waste of your time and energy rehashing what everyone already know?
Edu is in Spain cutting the deal as we speak. Need to keep up with the news and also players valuations. E.g Merino £25m all inclusive, Nketiah £35m plus huge sell-on clause and Ramsdale £35m plus huge sell-on clause.
No more over priced player purchases or low ball offers.
The media seems to be intentionally creating either Arsenal paying over the top for players and also accepting low ball offers by under valuing the potential sales.
I don’t see this happening to either Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle, Man united, Westham etc. etc.. They seem to just pick on Arsenal as being Transfer challenged and dumb. Arteta stands firm in getting rid of that Arsenal overpriced buying and low ball selling reputation.