Arsenal have had a quiet summer transfer window but there could be plenty of activity in the coming weeks as manager Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad further.
The Gunners recently confirmed the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori and are now working on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
The club have presented a verbal offer of £25.4 million for the Spaniard and they are growing confident of signing him. The midfielder has already agreed personal terms.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Arsenal are also in pole position to sign Adrien Rabiot, who is a free agent after running down his contract at Juventus.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also suitors for the Frenchman, who has set his sights on playing Champions League football this season.
Arsenal are unlikely to sign Rabiot alongside Merino
The Gunners are close to securing an agreement with Sociedad for Merino. The Spaniard is a left-footed central midfielder and he could compete for places with Kai Havertz.
Merino is not strong with the ball at his feet, but he has exceptional defensive skills. The 28-year-old won an average of 10.2 duels per La Liga appearance last term.
He also made 6.2 recoveries, 2.4 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game. Merino was effective in the final third with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.
The reported interest in Rabiot does not make sense with the club’s move for Merino.
Both are left-footed central midfielders with vast experience, but Merino has fared better.
Rabiot, who was on £145,000 per week at Juventus, made only eight goal contributions last term. He won 5.7 duels, 4.8 recoveries, 1.9 tackles and 0.9 clearances per outing.
The speculation could be driven by his mother and agent to secure a big-money move.
Arsenal could negotiate a £100,000 per week package with Merino who earns £52,000 weekly.
However, Rabiot could easily demand more than £200,000 on top of a significant signing-on fee as he is a free agent.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com.
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