Arsenal interested in signing Mikel Merino and Nico Williams
|Arsenal are interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window and they have made just one major signing. David Raya was recruited on a permanent basis from Brentford earlier this month.
The club have been locked in negotiations with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori for the past 10 days, but they are yet to finalise a payment structure with the Serie A outfit.
In today’s update from The Athletic, the Gunners are said to be eyeing a new central midfielder. Merino is one of the top targets and could be signed on the cheap this summer.
His current deal with Sociedad expires in the summer of 2025. The La Liga club are widely expected to sanction his sale rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Aside from Merino, it is claimed that Arsenal could pursue a deal for Williams if they decide to sign a wide player. However, a move won’t be straightforward for the Gunners.
Williams’ £49 million release clause will need to be paid in full while there is strong competition from Barcelona. The La Liga club’s financial restrictions could be lifted soon.
Meanwhile, Arsenal would also need to sell players from their frontline to create space and capital for the Spanish winger, who could command a significant salary package.
Arsenal should pursue deals for Merino and Williams
Merino has been with Sociedad for the past six seasons and he could be up for a new challenge.
The 28-year-old may feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League, having previously spent just one season with Newcastle United in 2017/18 before returning to La Liga.
Merino started his career as a holding midfielder, but he has operated from the number eight role at Sociedad. He won a stunning 10.2 duels per game last term.
The Spaniard also won 2.4 tackles per outing with 6.4 recoveries while making 13 goal contributions. His all-round attributes would make him an ideal signing for Arsenal.
He could be signed on the cheap with reports claiming that Sociedad are eyeing £20m for his exit.
Meanwhile, Williams has all the hallmarks of becoming a world-class star in the coming years.
He had a brilliant season at Bilbao with eight goals and 19 assists and went on to star for Spain at the Euros with two goals and one assist from six appearances.
The 22-year-old has the ability to play comfortably on either wing. He won an impressive three take-ons per game during the recent La Liga campaign for his club.
He is already on a £168,000 per week salary and would surely command a significant hike for a transfer.
In our view, it would be worthwhile due to his immense potential, but Arsenal may need to offload a winger or two to free up wages and funds for the Bilbao ace.
Reiss Nelson looks likely to head for the exit door. The club may have to sell another wide player alongside the club graduate before securing Williams’ services.
Arsenal should look to sign the Spanish duo for a combined £69m this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com