Arsenal are being strongly linked with a move for Mikel Merino in recent days as the Gunners look to bolster their midfield ahead of the new season.
Merino is said to now be Arsenal’s top target after agreeing a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori, and according to some reports, a deal is close to being agreed.
However, Fabrizio Romano has a slightly different spin to share on this story.
Indeed, speaking on Playback, Romano has stated that Arsenal haven’t actually made a bid for Merino yet, and he explained why.
Romano says that Arsenal are yet to make a bid for Merino because they like to focus on just one deal at a time, and, at the moment, the Gunners’ main focus is on finalising Calafiori’s move to the Emirates.
Why Arsenal haven’t bid for Mikel Merino yet
Romano shared what he knows about the midfielder and Arsenal’s interest.
“I wanted to say something also on Arsenal. Arsenal are formally completing the deal for Calafiori. On Arsenal I wanted to tell you that after Calafiori the focus will be on the midfield. We know that Emile Smith Rowe is close to joining Fulham, they are working on several outgoings,” Romano said.
“Arsenal want to add one midfielder this summer, and Mikel Merino remains a strong option in the list. They have had contacts on the player’s side. They have still not presented an offer to Real Sociedad, why? Because Arsenal like to work like this, deal by deal, so they are working on closing Calafiori, and then they will start concrete negotiations for a midfielder.”
Arsenal bid may come soon
Arsenal haven’t bid for Merino yet, but that isn’t to say that they won’t make their move soon.
The Calafiori deal will be done soon, and that will allow Arsenal to pivot their attention to the midfield.
Merino is seemingly the man want in that position, and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if a bid did go in over the next few days.
Merino to Arsenal is still a transfer that is very possible this summer.