Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners receive Mikel Merino boost, Marseille eyeing English ace, and more - July 23, 2024
Arsenal came close to ending Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League last season, but lost out on the league title on the final day of the campaign. Mikel Arteta is now expected to rope in the right reinforcements to go all the way next season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have received a boost in their efforts to bring Mikel Merino to the Emirates this summer. Elsewhere, Marseille are planning to take an English forward to France this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 23, 2024.
Arsenal receive Mikel Merino boost
Real Sociedad are resigned to losing Mikel Merino this summer, according to the Daily Mirror. The Spanish midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with the La Liga side and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Merino was indispensable for Sociedad last season, racking up eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions. He also caught the eye with La Roja at Euro 2024 and has apparently turned heads at the Emirates.
Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder this summer. Thomas Partey is likely to leave, while Jorginho is already on the wrong side of 30. Merino could be a fine addition to Mikel Arteta's roster, although the Spanish manager will have to deviate from his youth-centric transfer policy to sign the player.
The 28-year-old could be available for just £25m this summer, which also makes him an enticing prospect for the Gunners. However, the north London side will face competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for his signature.
Marseille eyeing Eddie Nketiah
Marseille are planning a loan move for Eddie Nketiah with an obligation to buy, according to the Daily Mirror. The English forward is no longer a first team regular for Arsenal and the club are willing to let him go.
The Gunners are already in the market for a new No. 9, which could further complicate matters for Nketiah. The 25-year-old registered six goals and three assists from 37 games across competitions last season.
Nketiah could be a fine addition for the Ligue 1 club, who are looking for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's replacement this year. Roberto De Zerbi has taken charge of matters at the Stade Velodrome and has already roped in Mason Greenwood to fit his striking needs.
The Italian manager now wants Nketiah to partner the former Manchester United man. The north London side are willing to let him go, but would prefer a permanent exit. Nketiah rose through the ranks at the Emirates and his departure could be registered as pure profit in the books.
With Arsenal planning for an eventful summer, they would prefer to use the 25-year-old's sale to help adhere to the Premier League's new Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Leonardo Bonucci heaps praise on Riccardo Calafiori
Former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has spoken highly of Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender is close to moving to Arsenal this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners are looking for defensive reinforcements and have set their eyes on the 22-year-old. Calafiori impressed with Bologna last season and also has admirers in Turin.
However, the north London side acted quickly to convince the player to move to the Emirates. Arsenal were locked in talks with Bologna for a while to sort out a deal and are apparently close to a breakthrough.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Bonucci insisted that he would have liked to see his countryman at Juventus.
“Calafiori? I’m sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus. He’s a defender who’s a little different to what we’re used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in. We’re exporting a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years,” said Bonucci.
Calafiori has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal with the Gunners.