Arsenal planning two more signings after Riccardo Calafiori deal

Arsenal are likely to focus on signing a new midfielder and a forward in the coming weeks, according to Standard Sport.

The Gunners recently reached an agreement with Bologna for the purchase of Riccardo Calafiori, but the Serie A outfit are still negotiating payment terms with Basel over the sell-on clause.

Calafiori has already been left out of Bologna’s pre-season camp in north Italy and it is only a matter of time before he is allowed to complete the necessary formalities for his transfer.

Once that is done, the club are expected to concentrate on further signings. It is reported that a new midfielder and a forward are the next priorities for the London giants.

Arsenal expected to add more quality to the squad

The Gunners are known to be interested in signing a central midfielder. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino appears the prime target and he could leave the La Liga club in the near future.

The £20 million-rated star would be a fine addition for the Gunners. He won a stunning 10.2 duels per game last season with an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 6.4 recoveries.

The 28-year-old also has the creative presence. He managed 13 goal contributions for his club last term and also scored a late winner against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

His experience would be handy for Arsenal, but they are bound to face competition. Barcelona as well as Atletico Madrid are set to compete for the former Newcastle United man.

Meanwhile, there are no stand-out forward targets for Arsenal at the moment. Manager Mikel Arteta would like to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but he is prioritising Barcelona.

Bilbao want the forward’s £49 million release clause to be paid in full. Should Barcelona fail to do so, Arsenal are most likely to make an approach to sign the highly-rated winger.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com