Arsenal ‘Lead Barcelona’ in Transfer Race and Agree Deal with European Club

Arsenal are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming season, with new signings expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Manager Mikel Arteta and Technical Director Edu are working diligently to finalize these deals, while also negotiating the departure of several fringe players to balance the club’s finances.

With the need to raise funds, Arsenal may see a number of exits before the season kicks off. Here’s a roundup of the latest transfer news involving the Gunners.

Merino Pursuit

Arsenal are reportedly keen on acquiring Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. Merino, who previously played for Newcastle United, has matured significantly and now regularly represents Spain while competing in European tournaments with Sociedad.

According to Sport, Arsenal are currently leading Barcelona in the race to sign Merino, who has been a standout in La Liga over the past two years.

Despite nearing the end of his contract, the 28-year-old will still command a fee exceeding £20 million, which is considered a bargain. However, Arsenal’s spending capacity will be limited as they aim to maintain financial balance.

Addressing his future, Merino said: “I leave those matters to my agent. I don’t pay attention to rumors. My teammates ask me about it, but I don’t dwell on it. Until there’s something concrete, I won’t be bothered. The rumors will stay as they are.”

Tavares Deal

Arsenal have reportedly accepted an offer from Lazio for Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares. Despite Tavares’ recent hopes of impressing during pre-season, it appears he will not get that chance.

Reports indicate that Tavares will join Lazio on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, securing Arsenal a fee of approximately £6 million at the end of next season. Tavares has struggled to impress at Arsenal, and it became evident that Mikel Arteta did not trust him defensively.

Considering Alternatives

Following their unsuccessful pursuit of Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, Arsenal are reportedly exploring other attacking options.

Fabrizio Romano commented in his Daily Briefing on CaughtOffside: “There has been some suggestion that Arsenal will no longer necessarily be making a striker a top priority target after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, but I’d keep this situation open.”

Romano added: “No decision has been made yet; it will also depend on the opportunities. Sesko was an opportunity, but then he decided to stay at Leipzig.

Let’s see how Arsenal decide to move in the market in the next days and weeks. There are other big names up front that we’ve heard a lot about this summer, but at the moment there is still nothing close or concrete for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres.”

As Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad and offload fringe players, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping their team for the new season.