With at least one more arrival and one departure planned, Arsenal will have a hectic closing to the summer transfer window.
Regarding new players, the Gunners have added Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad and signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.In terms of departures, Arsenal has already let a number of first-team players to walk this summer; Eddie Nketiah may be the next as negotiations with potential suitors continue.
Dharmesh Sheth has now given an update on the Merino to Arsenal trade, revealing the anticipated date of his debut for the Gunners.
All sides are hopeful that Mikel Merino will be available for Arsenal vs. Brighton, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth stated that Arsenal is now completing Merino’s transfer, who has been going through his medical these past few days.
If all goes according to plan, he will approve the personal arrangements, the reporter continued.
With any luck, the deal will be completed and he will be registered by Friday midday, allowing him to play against Brighton on Saturday.
Sheth restated that the deal’s total value, including performance-related add-ons, is £32.5 million.
What can Merino offer Arsenal?
Merino is a “world-class” player in his prime who has excelled at the greatest level, has a wealth of experience, and a trophy-filled resume.
The 28-year-old has won the Spanish Cup and the German Cup at the club level in addition to winning Euro 2024 and the 2023 Nations League with Spain.
An extensive scouting report on Merino’s potential contributions to Arsenal was just published by The Guardian.
The most common way that Merino has been used under Imanol Alguacil is as a left-sided No 8, in a 4-3-3 system that is close to Arteta’s preferred Arsenal shape, they noted.
The Spain international can easily construct a double pivot or serve as the center of a midfield three.
Because of his adaptability in the middle of the park and Rice’s capacity to switch places, the two could switch depending on the opponent and the status of the game.
If given the chance, Arteta would develop Marino into the kind of midfield player he wants.
Above all, Merino is a dueling machine who wins more aerial duels (168) than any other midfielder in the top five leagues in Europe. He is press-resistant, creative, aggressive, and resilient.
Like Rice, who Arsenal acquired for almost £105 million in the previous summer, Merino is a very capable midfield player.
Like Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard frequently does, he can lead the press by stepping forward as a No 8.
However, when needed, he can defend deep as a No. 6 on his own or in tandem with another player.
With two straight 2-0 victories, Arsenal has gotten off to the ideal start in the Premier League as they look to improve this season.
Mikel Arteta has welcomed Riccardo Calafiori into the team, who has already impressed Ben White during training, after narrowly missing out on the championship last season.
Troy Deeney credited David Raya for Arsenal’s victory at Aston Villa, demonstrating the value of the player’s permanent signing.
But, as Eddie Nketiah is expected to sign with Crystal Palace, there might be a chance to get a replacement before the transfer window shuts to bolster Arsenal’s offensive line.
It’s interesting to note that Sami Mokbel hasn’t eliminated Arsenal from the running for a specific attacker.
