Arsenal move closer to Fabrizio Romano approved transfer target
By Kian Long
![Arsenal FC v Everton FC - Premier League Arsenal FC v Everton FC - Premier League](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4522,h_2543,x_0,y_174/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/209/01j3jmjpw3p2269hhh1s.jpg)
Arsenal are still active in the summer transfer window. Heading into this summer, it was widely documented that Arsenal would be active spenders, as they hoped to strengthen their squad from coming annoyingly close to winning the Premier League over the last two seasons. Now, they seem to be closer to a Fabrizio Romano approved transfer target.
Arsenal move closer to Fabrizio Romano approved transfer target
According to a report from Kike Marin of El Confidencial, Arsenal have moved closer to signing Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad this summer. The transfer target has been handed the infamous seal of approval from Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that Arsenal have a "genuine" and "absolutely strong" interest in signing Mikel Merino.
Mikel Merino has experience of playing alongside Martin Odegaard, considering the two of them played in the midfield for Real Sociedad. Now, Mikel Arteta would like to reunite the two midfield maestros, after Merino won EURO 2024.
It is worth noting that Mikel Merino is not the only Arsenal transfer target. They seem pretty set on signing a midfielder, but Merino is not the only target for this position. Nevertheless, the interest is strong and in an ideal world, Mikel Arteta would land Merino for the midfield role this summer.
However, the transfer window is never ideal, particularly in Arsenal's experience. Much like with Nico Williams, Arsenal will face significant transfer interest from Barcelona for the signing of Mikel Merino this summer. Arsenal have the financial upper hand over Barcelona but there's no denying that Barca have some of the best pulling power in the world, given the extreme size of the club.
Mikel Merino runs out of contract in 2025, so he is strongly linked with a move away from Real Sociedad this summer. As one of their most profitable assets, the Spanish club may feel inclined to let him go for a fee this summer, rather than no fee next summer.
Do you think Arsenal will land Mikel Merino this summer transfer window?
feed