Arsenal now winning race to sign ‘world-class’ star after Riccardo Calafiori – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are winning the race to sign one of Real Sociedad’s best players, according to Sport.

The London giants are in the transfer market for a new midfielder and it was reported yesterday that they are ‘very interested‘ in landing the signature of Mikel Merino.

It is now claimed that the Gunners are in pole position to sign the 28-year-old ahead of Barcelona, who are currently focused on landing Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

The Blaugrana hierarchy which includes sporting director Deco have made it clear to Merino that it is economically impossible to sign him without Frenkie de Jong’s exit.

This has put Arsenal in the driving seat to sign the former Newcastle United man. He could be purchased for just £20 million up front with his contract expiring next summer.

Merino could be Arsenal’s third summer signing after Calafiori

The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window in terms of signings.

They have only formalised a permanent transfer for David Raya, but there could be plenty of transfer activity in the coming weeks with manager Mikel Arteta eyeing another league title challenge.

Riccardo Calafiori looks set to join the club from Bologna after weeks of negotiations. He is set to undergo his medical in Los Angeles before penning a long-term contract.

Merino, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, could be the next in line to join the club. The Spaniard believes the club’s playing style under Arteta would suit him.

The Euro 2024 winner is a brilliant ball winner. He won a stunning 10.2 duels per La Liga game last season with an average of 6.2 recoveries, 2.4 tackles and 1.7 clearances.

Merino has the preference for the left central midfield role as a left-footed player. Arteta probably sees him as someone who could have a similar impact as Granit Xhaka.

With Kai Havertz finding success as a number nine, Merino could come into the number eight role with Declan Rice operating from the defensive midfield position next term.

There could also be rotation with Merino coming off the bench. His passing is not the best (77 percent), but he makes up for the same with his ability to regain possession quickly.

At £20m, he appears a no-brainer signing for the Gunners. The club could utilise the extra funds saved for the purchase of another marquee centre-forward in the coming weeks.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com