As the final month of the transfer window ticks off, the deals have been pacing up. Arsenal welcomed some of their star players back as they returned from the U.S. after playing Manchester United and Liverpool last week. The Gunners saw players like back Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale return to camp ahead of the friendly against Bayern Leverkusen on Wednesday in North London. This also comes ahead of the return of the Emirates Cup which will be played against Olympiacos Lyon on 11th August, Sunday.
As complete as Mikel Arteta’s side looks, the transfer window is still an opportunity to increase their squad depth. Moreover, after Emile-Smith Rowe's £34 million move to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah receiving offers, they will be scouting midfielders for the next few weeks. As the defensive end of the midfield is secured with Rice, Partey & Jorginho nicely syncing up, bringing some depth in the middle of the park could prove handy for versatility.
Mikel Arteta would be Keen to bring new dimensions to the midfield
image via @mikelmerino/ IG
Mikel Merino is one of the top names on Arteta’s list as the fellow Spaniard is open to offers this summer. The 28-year-old former Newcastle man is highly respected among the teams. He won more duels than any other player (326) in Europe’s Top 5 leagues last season and could bring a new dimension to the squad. Increased physicality has been something Arteta has eyed in recent years as he looks keen to sign the Real Sociedad man. Merino was also one of the four players to appear in every game in their Euro 2024 triumph in Germany. Merino also scored a decisive dying moment whisker against Germany in the semi-final which lit their camp up. "I think that tournament was a good reflection of him," Former teammate Miguel Flaño from his boyhood club Osasuna told Sky Sports.
To explore more of their options, Arsenal were in the race to sign Bruno Guimarães as they've tried in recent years. The Brazilian could've added the same aspects as Merino although he confirmed his stay at St. James’ Park this season last week according to Goal.com. With many speculations like Reiss Nelson being keen to move because of less game-time and Ramsdale being on the same boat, Arsenal will be looking to move a brick or two in the transfer window. Although the club’s recent success has brought sparks back to North London, Arteta would be aiming for nothing less than the Premier League Silverware this season.
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