Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal’s transfer business conducted swiftly this summer.
Riccardo Calafiori impressed at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s collective struggles (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are set to welcome Riccardo Calafiori to north London but Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer business won’t stop there. Further arrivals and departures are expected at the Emirates Stadium between now and the summer transfer deadline.
Versatile defender Calafiori will give Arteta added depth and an extra option at left-back – arguably Arsenal’s weakest position last season. The Italian is due to have his medical with the Gunners in the USA, where they are currently on a pre-season tour, before completing a deal worth around £40million in total.
Once Calafiori’s arrival is signed and sealed, Arsenal are expected to pursue midfield targets, and the stars are aligning for Mikel Merino to be Arteta’s next recruit.
RELATED ARTICLES
![](https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x190/1927733_1.jpg)
![](https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x190/1927751_1.jpg)
The 28-year-old scored an extra-time goal that sent Spain through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, and he enjoyed a strong tournament under Luis de la Fuente. Real Sociedad would reportedly be open to selling him for just £21m.
Although Barcelona are also interested in Merino, reports indicate that they will only table a bid if Frenkie de Jong is sold. Given that the Dutchman is currently injured and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, Arsenal could effectively have a free run at Merino.
The central midfielder has less than a year to run on his Sociedad contract, putting pressure on the La Liga side to cash in while they can this summer.
Mikel Merino played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win (Image: Getty)
Merino rose through the ranks with Osasuna before being snapped up by Borussia Dortmund as a youngster. He spent only one year in Germany before a brief stint with Newcastle United, where he made 24 Premier League appearances across two seasons.
Arsenal are yet to raise cash through permanent player sales this summer but that could be about to change. Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a £35m move to Fulham which would equal the Gunners’ record sale.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The 23-year-old was also on the radar of Crystal Palace but Fulham have upped their offer to put themselves in prime position. Fellow Arsenal academy product Reiss Nelson could join Smith Rowe in heading for the Emirates’ exit door.
Leicester City are in talks with the Gunners over a loan move with an obligation to buy Nelson, who the Foxes believe they can convince due to his time working with manager Steve Cooper at England youth level.
News
Liverpool tour diary: Arne Slot’s two training demands offer insight into new manager
Liverpool opened the doors to training on Sunday in Philadelphia and gave fans a glimpse of what the sessions are like under Arne Slot. There’s no doubt that the…
Man Utd close in on third summer transfer as Premier League rivals’ deal collapses
Manchester United are closing in on a £20million deal for Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui. United are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Morocco international and are finalising…
Liverpool reject Wataru Endo bid as Reds’ summer transfer business remainas quiet
Liverpool have turned down a bid for midfielder Wataru Endo from Marseille – after the French club tabled an offer in the region of £12m for the…
Raphael Varane’s first words as a Como player speak volumes after Man Utd exit
Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has hailed Como’s “project” after joining the newly-promoted Serie A club. World Cup winning centre-back Varane left Old Trafford earlier in the summer, with United opting against…
Arne Slot’s Liverpool plan takes shape as Reds reject £12m transfer bid
Arne Slot is using Liverpool’s pre-season tour to assess his players before making recruitment and retention decisions after rejecting a bid for Wataru Endo. The Japanese midfielder…
Man Utd Tour Diary: New fitness approach and Real Madrid’s influence on stadium plans
Manchester United’s physical performance team have been taking a forensic approach to hydration and nutrition for the players, which are analysed closely during the tour. The physical…
End of content
No more pages to load