Arsenal’s summer transfer window is yet to have really got up and running with just one signing over the line.
Mikel Arteta’s side do not necessarily need huge changes this summer given they finished so closely behind Manchester City in the title race.
However, that could also have been a sign for Arsenal to really push the boat out in the transfer market in an attempt to really try and overturn City at the top of the tree.
The north Londoners have had to settle for just one signing so far with Riccardo Calafiori coming through the doors at the Emirates.
Arsenal are looking for more summer recruits as they have identified Victor Osimhen as an option to bolster their attack.
But there is one other player who Arsenal could now be about to bid for before the end of the week.
Aside from Calafiori, the main name of the lips of all those in north London has been Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
On Wednesday, Arsenal had their opening bid rejected for Merino as Sociedad look for a bigger fee from the Gunners.
According to The Guardian, Arsenal are continuing to work behind the scenes to secure a deal for the 28-year-old midfielder.
And that could come in the form of a new bid before the end of the week with Edu Gaspar over in Spain currently trying to work on the proposed deal.
It is believe Arsenal’s opening bid was worth €25m (£21m) but the Spanish side are hoping for an improved bid of €35m (£30m).
However, the player is now fully convinced on making the move to north London and Sociedad are risking losing out in any fee with just 12 months remaining on his deal.
Arsenal pushing for late deals this summer
It has to be remembered that Merino enjoyed an extended break this summer given he went all the way with Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph.
But it is slightly strange to see Arsenal leaving the deal for the midfielder so late considering they’re now pushing just days out from the season opener.
Arsenal will not have needed convincing of the player’s ability given he has been hailed ‘incredible‘ recently.
Any move for Merino now is going to see the midfielder having missed out on the pre-season efforts and arrive as the new season has already started.
However, Merino is a player who Arteta really wants at Arsenal and that is, ultimately, the main thing in these negotiations.
