Fabrizio Romano confirms next Arsenal transfer target after Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The transfer race which occurred rather quickly from Arsenal's perspective could soon reach its conclusion. Such is the nature of Arsenal's failures in the past, fans truly won't be satisfied until the player is officially announced, but the club does have a tendency to take its time in that regard.

So, Mikel Arteta has been efficient until this point in the transfer window. Having signed David Raya on a permanent deal and Tommy Setford with an eye for the future in mind, what does the rest of the summer transfer window have in store for Arsenal fans?

Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal transfer target after Riccardo Calafiori

According to an update from Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will advance in talks with Mikel Merino next week, after some positive discussions with his camp. The Italian suggests that there are other options on the list, so all of Arsenal's eggs aren't in one basket. A key factor in Arteta's decision making will be the asking price set by Real Sociedad, but Arsenal are interested.

It's not a surprise that Arsenal are now seeking midfield reinforcements. After all, it's a position which is close to being perfect from Arsenal's perspective, so it seems like the quickest and most effective fix. Particularly factoring in Emile Smith Rowe's departure, it will be nice to add both balance and depth to the middle of the park next season.

Mikel Merino is a defensive midfielder, one who thrives as the deepest lying midfielder in a midfield three. Therefore, his signing could be the key to unlocking Declan Rice even more, who thrives in the number 8 position. With Merino in the team, it could be a clear structure of him behind Rice, and Rice behind Odegaard.

It is worth noting, though, that Thomas Partey does not seem like a midfielder who has an eye on a move away from Arsenal this summer. In fact, the Ghana international has been full of nothing but praise for Mikel Arteta and his midfield plans next season, which could mean Arsenal are stacked in depth.

Do you think Arsenal should sign Mikel Merino this summer?