Arsenal are reportedly interested in acquiring Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams during this summer’s transfer window, according to The Athletic. The Gunners’ transfer activity has been relatively quiet, with their only major acquisition being David Raya from Brentford earlier this month.
Arsenal have been negotiating with Bologna for the past ten days regarding Riccardo Calafiori, but they have yet to finalize the payment structure with the Serie A club.
The Athletic’s latest update indicates that Arsenal is targeting a new central midfielder, with Merino being a top contender. Merino’s contract with Sociedad is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and the La Liga club is expected to sanction his sale this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
In addition to Merino, Arsenal may also consider pursuing a deal for Nico Williams if they decide to sign a wide player. However, this move could be complicated. Williams has a £49 million release clause that must be met, and there is significant competition from Barcelona. The financial restrictions currently affecting Barcelona may be lifted soon, making the competition even fiercer.
Arsenal would also need to offload some players from their frontline to create space and generate funds for Williams, who would likely demand a substantial salary package.
The pursuit of Merino and Williams could benefit Arsenal significantly. Merino has been with Sociedad for six seasons and might be seeking a new challenge. The 28-year-old previously spent one season with Newcastle United in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season before returning to La Liga.
Merino initially played as a holding midfielder but has since adapted to a number eight role at Sociedad, where he excelled last season with an average of 10.2 duels won per game.
He also made 2.4 tackles and 6.4 recoveries per match, contributing 13 goals in total. His all-around skills would make him an ideal addition to Arsenal, and reports suggest he could be available for around £20 million.
Williams, at 22, shows immense potential and could become a world-class star. He had a standout season at Bilbao, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists, and he performed impressively for Spain at the Euros with two goals and one assist from six appearances.
Williams is versatile, capable of playing on either wing, and averaged three successful take-ons per game in the recent La Liga season. He currently earns £168,000 per week, so a transfer would likely require a significant salary increase. Arsenal may need to sell one or two wingers, such as Reiss Nelson, to free up wages and funds for Williams.
Overall, acquiring Merino and Williams for a combined £69 million this summer could prove to be a strategic and beneficial move for Arsenal.
Leave a Reply