Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped regarding Arsenal’s possible acquisition of Mikel Merino, despite reports from Spain indicating that a deal has been finalized with Real Sociedad.
Over the summer, Arteta identified Merino as his primary target to bolster the midfield. However, Arsenal has faced challenges in reaching an agreement with the Spanish club for the Euro 2024 champion.
Nonetheless, Estadio Deportivo reports that both clubs have now settled on a deal valued at approximately £30 million, with hopes to finalize the terms over the weekend.
When questioned about the potential signing ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Wolves, Arteta was eager to remain discreet.
“You know that I cannot talk about any other players,” the Spaniard stated when asked about the Merino deal during his pre-match press conference.
When asked more broadly about the club’s transfer plans, he explained: “Before the season, we had two objectives. The primary one was to ensure we are deeply connected with our players and to find ways to improve them because that’s the most important thing.
“Then, if certain opportunities arise in the market to strengthen the squad, we have to consider them, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
So far, Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival from Bologna and David Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford have been Arsenal’s only moves in this transfer window.
The club has been strongly linked with a move for a striker to enhance their central attacking options, but Arteta has expressed his confidence in Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who remain with the team.
“We already have great strikers; we have a strong attacking line, and I’m very satisfied with it,” he said.
Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber is fit and available for Saturday’s match after sustaining a minor injury toward the end of pre-season.
However, Arsenal will be missing defensive pair Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, who are still recovering from their respective injuries.
