Arsenal secured an impressive victory at home against the reigning Bundesliga champions, leaving manager Mikel Arteta pleased, especially after the team went into halftime with a three-goal lead following a dynamic start.
However, the Gunners are not resting on their laurels; they still have time to make moves in the transfer market.
While this transfer window has been relatively quiet for Arsenal, the club has prioritized quality over quantity, managing to sign Riccardo Calafiori. Nonetheless, they are already planning to make another significant addition, with a bid for a targeted player expected in the coming days.
Arsenal does not urgently need a large influx of new players, but they recognize that a few strategic additions could help them challenge Manchester City for the top spot in the league. The competition between the two clubs is intense, and enhancing the starting lineup or squad depth could prove crucial for success.
One player at the forefront of Arteta’s plans is Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad. According to reports from GiveMeSport, Arsenal is preparing to make its first bid for Merino after recent discussions.
The urgency to secure Merino has increased due to Liverpool’s growing interest in Martin Zubimendi, which has raised concerns for Arsenal about missing out on their target.
If Liverpool successfully signs Zubimendi, it could jeopardize Arsenal’s chances of acquiring Merino, especially given the significant transfer fee Zubimendi is expected to command.
Arteta believes that Merino would complement Declan Rice effectively in the midfield, enhancing the team’s overall performance.
The looming threat from Liverpool has prompted Arsenal to expedite their efforts to sign Merino. With a bid expected shortly, the Gunners are focused on reaching a quick agreement.
Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s sporting director, has just over a week to finalize the deal before Wolves visit London. If everything falls into place, Merino could join the squad in time for that match.
However, even if a deal is completed, it may be optimistic to expect Merino to play against Wolves immediately. Despite being a part of Spain’s Euro-winning team, he will likely need some time to acclimate to Arsenal’s training and system before making his debut.
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