Arsenal have offered a transfer deal following Mikel Merino’s decision

Arsenal’s attempt to strengthen their midfield this summer has seen a number of updates.

With Thomas Partey’s departure looking increasingly likely, the Gunners are prioritizing finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2024/25 season, as reported by football.london in recent months.

Transfer targets Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi have all caught the eye at the Emirates Stadium, but securing any of these players looks like a tall order. As a result, Mikel Merino, Amadou Onana and Youssouf Fofana have been linked with Arsenal, although the latter two look set to move elsewhere.

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Earlier this week it emerged that AC Milan and Fofana had agreed personal terms, with negotiations over a fee with Monaco still ongoing. While a last-minute diversion is always a possibility, it has also been revealed that the 25-year-old has prioritized a move to Milan.

Meanwhile, Onana is close to completing a move to Aston Villa. With Onana and Fofana seemingly within reach, Arsenal’s midfield options are dwindling, although Merino remains on the radar with two new developments regarding his future.

With Merino and Spain set to face England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, there is unlikely to be any immediate progress on the transfer despite Arsenal’s interest. However, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire next summer, Arsenal will be hoping to negotiate a deal, particularly given Arteta’s admiration for his physical prowess.

Spanish source Estadio Deportivo report that Sociedad are willing to let Merino leave for just €30 million ($32.8 million) this summer, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also monitoring the situation.

Despite having a £55 million ($69.9 million) release clause in his contract, Merino’s price could see a significant reduction as he approaches the final year of his current deal. However, Arsenal may still need to sell before they can bring in new faces.

Players such as Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale have been rumored to be leaving North London, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have already been confirmed.

Liverpool.com says: Merino impressed for Spain at the Euros this summer. If Arsenal can sign the midfielder, it would only strengthen one of Liverpool’s great rivals. It will also put pressure on Arne Slot and his Liverpool colleagues to act in the transfer market.