Arsenal have had a quiet summer transfer window but there could be plenty of activity in the coming weeks as manager Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad further.
The Gunners recently confirmed their first outfield signing in defender Riccardo Calafiori and they are now working on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Arsenal are also in pole position to sign Adrien Rabiot, who is a free-agent after running down his contract at Juventus.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also mentioned as suitors for the Frenchman, who has his sights on playing Champions League football in the coming season.
ARSENAL UNLIKELY TO SIGN RABIOT ALONGSIDE MERINO
The Gunners are close to securing an agreement with Sociedad for Merino. The Spaniard is a left-footed central midfielder and he could compete for places with Kai Havertz.
He also made 6.2 recoveries per game alongside 2.4 tackles and 1.7 clearances. Merino was also effective in the final third with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
In our view, the reported interest in Rabiot does not make sense with the club’s move for Merino.
Both are left-footed central midfielders with vast experience, but Merino has fared better.
Rabiot, who was on £145,000 per week at Juventus, made only eight goal contributions last term. He won 5.7 duels per outing alongside 4.8 recoveries, 1.9 tackles and 0.9 clearances.
The speculation could be driven by his mother and agent to secure a big-money move.
Arsenal could negotiate a £100,000 per week package with Merino who earns £52,000 weekly.
The same won’t be the case with Rabiot. He could easily demand in upwards of £200,000 on top of a significant signing-on fee as he is a free-agent. We simply don’t see a deal happening.
