Arsenal kicked off the 2024/25 Premier League campaign in perfect fashion after recording a 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka secured all three points for the Gunners – as Mikel Arteta ensured this season’s push for the title began in the best way possiblez
Further quality is about to be injected into the squad as Arsenal near a deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad – with the move set to cost £25m.
Now, it has been revealed what Mikel Arteta is expecting to happen once Mikel Merino officially becomes an Arsenal player…
Mikel Arteta expecting more business from Edu Gaspar
A story from Give Me Sport states that the Spaniard is expecting one more signing to be made at Arsenal after his fellow countryman signs his contract.
It is said that Arsenal could announce Merino within 24 hours – ensuring he can be involved for next Saturday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa – and he could even start amid doubts over Thomas Partey’s capabilities against strong opposition.
Give Me Sport add that Arteta then expects Edu Gaspar – Director of Football at the Emirates Stadium – to negotiate one more signing before the transfer deadline on Friday 30th August.
The Gunners have already signed Riccardo Calafiori in a £42m deal from Bologna – while making David Raya’s loan from Brentford into a permanent deal as well.
Give Me Sport do not mention who this next signing could be after Merino arrives, so let’s take a look at the most likely option.
Who Arsenal could sign after Mikel Merino
It is hardly the most exciting position, although we think the next signing after Merino will be a new No.2 goalkeeper – with Aaron Ramsdale expected to leave the Emirates Stadium.
The man we think is most likely to replace the England international is actually a familiar face – Wojciech Szczesny.
We haven’t just plucked that name out of thin air either.
The Evening Standard believe Szczesny is on Arsenal’s shortlist of options to replace Ramsdale this summer, and is particularly attractive to Arteta because he still qualifies as a homegrown option, after emerging from Hale End in 2009.
Furthermore, the Poland international has just become a free agent after Juventus terminated his contract – so the deal would cost Arsenal nothing in transfer fees, another point of attraction as the Premier League clamp down on Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Arsenal, as anything could happen in the final days of the transfer window.
