Arsenal are focused on strengthening their midfield this summer and have identified Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad as their top target. After being linked with several options in recent weeks, the club has decided to prioritize Merino to bolster their squad.
However, according to a report from HITC, journalist Bailey has revealed that Arsenal have been offered the opportunity to sign Marco Verratti. The 31-year-old Italian midfielder left Paris Saint-Germain last summer to join Al-Arabi in Qatar on a two-year contract. Despite only spending a year in the Middle East, Verratti is reportedly eager to return to European football.
In addition to Arsenal, other Premier League giants like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City have also been given the chance to secure Verratti’s signature.
Verratti’s contract with Al-Arabi includes a substantial weekly salary of £576,000, which poses a significant challenge for Arsenal if they decide to pursue him. It is unlikely that Arsenal would be willing to match such a high wage, meaning Verratti would need to accept a pay cut if he were to move back to Europe. Given the financial demands, it would be difficult for any European club to meet his current wage expectations.
Despite these challenges, Verratti is known for his technical skills, particularly his ability to operate under pressure, his set-piece prowess, and his long-range passing. His potential arrival at Arsenal could enhance the team’s technical abilities and add depth to their midfield.
However, at 31 years old, and never being a physically dominant player, there are concerns about whether he could adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, especially as his physical abilities are likely to decline further with age.
Given these factors, Arsenal may ultimately decide to avoid pursuing Verratti. However, it remains to be seen whether the club will make a concrete move for him before the transfer window closes. So far, Arsenal’s activity in the transfer market has been relatively subdued, with the permanent signing of David Raya and the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori being their only significant additions to the squad.
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