This summer, Arsenal is eager in acquiring Mikel Merino, the Euro 2024 star from Spain.
The main player for Real Sociedad, Merino, scored a stunning header in the final minute of extra time against Germany last week, propelling La Roja into the European Championship semifinals.
Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the 28-year-old, who returned to Spain in 2018 after spending a year at Newcastle United, according to The Athletic.
He is currently firmly on Arsenal’s radar. In addition to a central midfield player, Arsenal is rumored to be closing in on a deal to acquire Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Merino’s skill and physicality have pleased Arteta, who is ready to make an exception for the Gunners, who usually prefer younger players.
Nico Williams, a top player at Euro 2024 who is Merino’s colleague from Spain, is also a target for Arsenal.
The article also states that Arteta would like to sign the Athletic Bilbao star as a wide winger if Arsenal were to sign one this summer.
Williams has a growing number of admirers with Barcelona and Chelsea also both credited with firm interest in the 21-year-old.
The winger scored five goals and laid on 11 assists for his club last season and has distanced himself from any talk of a move away from the Basque club this summer.
‘I’ve seen reports talking about my future, but honestly I have no clue of anything,’ Williams said.
‘Right now, I want to focus on the Euros and nothing else. ‘I am so happy in Bilbao, I signed a new deal and performed well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I will do. Nobody can tell you about the future.’
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s president, Jon Uriarte, has attempted to play down the speculation over Williams’ future.
‘Nico is very happy in Bilbao and in Athletic and has commented on this many times,’ Uriarte said. ‘We are very happy with Nico.’