After news of Arsenal’s interest in Mikel Merino came to fruition a few weeks ago, it’s been very difficult to gauge just how far the deal has come.
Whilst Riccardo Calafiori was making his Arsenal debut at the Emirates on Sunday, Merino was beginning pre-season with Real Sociedad, aware of interest from north London.
But with just over two weeks of the window left to go, Arsenal fans may now be wondering if a deal for Merino will actually get over the line.
Edu Gaspar has promised Arsenal fans that there will be excitement before the month ends, but there’s no guarantee that Merino will be part of those celebrations just yet.
Arsenal definitely need to add a new midfielder this summer, especially after selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham.
And although a number six would probably be ideal, a player with Merino’s versatility would allow Mikel Arteta several options in the middle.
That being said, The Independent have now provided some much needed clarity on the Merino to Arsenal saga, although it’s not all good news for supporters wearing red.
Arsenal may still be set for Deadline Day scramble for Mikel Merino
Right now, Arsenal and Real Sociedad are still quite far apart over the structure and amount of Merino’s transfer to north London.
The Spanish side are holding out for around £30m for Merino, whereas Arsenal have been hoping to pay around £21m for the midfielder.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned reports says that negotiations could therefore go until the end of the window, perhaps leaving Arsenal at risk of another club entering the fold.
Interestingly, the information also details that Merino is ‘intent’ on joining Arsenal, and Arteta has already started planning all the different ways he plans to use the 28-year-old in the middle.
Edu and his team are confident that a deal can be concluded, but are anticipating some difficult negotiations with Real Sociedad.
Of course, it’s not just Merino that Arsenal are in for this summer, the Gunners also want to add a wide-forward to Arteta’s squad.
Reiss Nelson could still leave Arsenal, meaning Bukayo Saka would have very little competition on the right.
And after interest has moved on from Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Darren Bent has warned Arsenal not to make a mistake.
