Arsenal should ditch Mikel Merino deal to sign former Manchester City captain

Arsenal, if they had any wits about them, should pursue Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan before the summer transfer window slams shut.

In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona are suddenly willing to let the German international depart after just one season. Gundogan recorded 18 goal contributions for Xavi's side last term, shining in the middle of the park after joining the club on a free transfer.

Gundogan had previously played a leading role in Manchester City's continued Premier League dominance. Capable of performing a myriad of roles to an incredibly high standard, Gundogan, a coach on the pitch, was named City's captain in 2022 and his clutch displays helped Pep Guardiola's side pip Arsenal to the league title in 2022/23.

City once again held off the Gunners at the division's summit in Gundogan's absence last season, with Mikel Arteta attempting to streamline but also bolster his squad in preparation for another title tilt in 2024/25. Having secured the signing of Riccardo Calafiori last month, Arsenal are now hoping to bring in a midfielder. Mikel Merino had emerged as the priority target, but the Gunners would be silly not to test the Gundogan waters.

Arsenal should ditch Mikel Merino deal to sign former Manchester City captain

Arsenal are certainly taking their time with the Merino deal. A move that was seemingly a fairly simple one to pull off has dragged on with Real Sociedad proving stubborn in negotiations. While the player is keen on the move, Sociedad's demands have forced Arsenal onto the back foot.

However, the Gunners are continuing to work and there's an expectation that a deal will eventually be struck. Supporters will hope the club then pivots to bolstering its frontline before the transfer deadline.

While Merino would be another system-specific player capable of slotting into Arteta's framework right away, Gundogan is surely the Spaniard's utopia. Merino at 28 is no spring chicken, so Gundogan's age (33) shouldn't deter the Gunners. The German has shown over the past two years that he's as good as he's ever been.

The veteran ranks among the most intelligent footballers in the game. He's the manifestation of his coach's ideals on the field. This is a player that broke Arsenal's hearts two seasons ago thanks to his ability to produce in the clutch. He's never flustered, and Arteta would simply adore having a player of his calibre and experience to rely on every week. As a #6 or an #8, Gundogan would doubtlessly thrive in north London and he's the sort of player capable of thrusting the Gunners over the line in a title race with his former club.

Barcelona, amid another incredibly odd window, are sinning by ditching him after a year. They supposedly want to get his wages off the books, and interested clubs have been put on red alert.

The Athletic notes that Premier League clubs are among those keen, but the problem for Arsenal, assuming they've raised an eyebrow at Gundo's possible exit, is that City are up for a reunion. While the German only recently let his contract run down at the Etihad in favour of a new challenge, Gundogan has 'enjoyed' that desired new experience. While there are familiar faces for him at the Emirates, City would surely be his number one destination if he opted for a Premier League return.

Still, that Merino deal should be done soon.

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