Arsenal target was offered to Barcelona this summer by agent - Reports
Arsenal-bound Mikel Merino was reportedly offered to Barcelona this summer following his exploits with Spain at Euro 2024. According to SPORT, the Blaugrana decided to focus on attacking reinforcements instead (via Barca Universal).
The Catalan outfit have been linked with the likes of Dani Olmo and Nico Williams during the ongoing transfer window. There isn't a sure-shot left winger, which explains the club's links to the aforementioned players.
Meanwhile, Merino has a year left on his current contract at Real Sociedad, as a result of which the La Liga outfit are looking to sell the player. It is believed that the Gunners would have to shell out around €30 million to get their man.
The aforementioned report states that the north Londoners are in a prime position to sign Merino unless something goes terribly wrong in the final moments. He could feature alongside Declan Rice in the Arsenal midfield, with the former playing a slightly more advanced role compared to the Englishman.
The 28-year-old can also operate as a number six, which would allow Rice to play as the box-to-box midfielder. However, Merino's place in the first XI is not guaranteed, with completion from Thomas Partey and Leandro Trossard.
To date, Merino has made 242 appearances across competitions for his current employers, bagging 27 goals and 30 assists. With the Gunners, he can compete for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League during the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal have now finished second in the English top flight for two seasons running, behind champions Manchester City.
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe completes move to Fulham
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has completed a reported club-record £34 million move, inclusive of add-ons to Premier League rivals Fulham. The decision doesn't seem surprising, with the England international playing a limited role for the Gunners in recent seasons.
Injuries have been a big problem in Smith Rowe's career at the Emirates, with the player missing 10 matches across competition last season for club and country. He was absent from 21 outings in the 2022-23 campaign after suffering from a groin issue.
Speaking about the move, Smith Rowe said (via BBC Sport):
"I'm finally here, so I'm really happy for me and my family - it's a good moment."
The 24-year-old midfielder made 115 appearances across competitions for Arsenal, bagging 18 goals and 13 assists. He's won two Community Shield titles with the senior team.