Arsenal are now said to be considering a move for a midfielder who could perhaps act as an alternative to Mikel Merino this summer.
After completing a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal are thought to want three more signings next month.
On that list, Mikel Arteta is thought to have asked for a new midfielder, a new forward and a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale in goal if he were to secure a move away.
Arsenal have made contact with Merino, who looks perfectly placed to finally fill the club’s void left by Granit Xhaka.
Merino could be Arsenal’s perfect Xhaka replacement, potentially allowing Declan Rice to return to his trademark number six role.
Of course, there’s stiff competition for Merino this summer, Barcelona are also reportedly interested in the Spaniard who impressed at the Euros.
And according to journalist Oli Price Bates, who shared his update on X earlier today, it seems Arsenal could be lining up a Premier League alternative just in case.
Arsenal interested in Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White
According to Bates, Arsenal hold an interest in Nottingham Forest attacker Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.
Gibbs-White, who seemed disappointed to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros, did enjoy a strong season for Forest yet again last term.
And although the 24-year-old seems very committed to Forest’s cause after his £43m move in 2022, he does appear to be a profile who could play for a bigger club, with all due respect.
Given that Arsenal are interested in a forward and a midfielder as mentioned, perhaps Arteta sees Gibbs-White as someone who can do both, should these reports be believed.
In terms of his output last campaign, Gibbs-White, who has an exemplary injury record, made 42 appearances for Forest scoring six goals and providing 10 assists.
Gibbs-White claimed Saka was ‘one of the best in the world’
Of course, if you’re ever hoping to sign for Arsenal in the future, profusely complimenting one of the club’s Hale End stars is a good place to start.
And Gibbs-White did exactly that when speaking to the Premier League nine months ago.
Gibbs White said that Bukayo Saka was in the same category as Erling Haaland in England, a player who must work so hard in training.
He said: “Bukayo for me is at the minute one of the best players in the world and Erling Haaland speaks for himself.
“I just think with Bukayo, he doesn’t go out of his comfort zone, he knows what he’s good at, he’s mastered it and it works every time, cut inside on the left, goal, he must practise it every single day in training.”
