Arsenal to make Mikel Merino top transfer target after wrapping up Riccardo Calafiori deal - but Gunners yet to make concrete offer for Barcelona target

Arsenal have been linked with the Spain international for many weeks now but are yet to submit a transfer bid for the 28-year-old. Now, Spanish publication Relevo claims Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on him, Sociedad has proposed a new, improved deal that hasn't been accepted, and Arsenal want to sign the midfielder.

Arsenal are looking to end Manchester City's Premier League dominance after a record fourth-straight title and signing a player such as Merino, along with Bologna's Calafiori, is likely to help them towards achieving that goal.

Merino, whose contract runs until 2025 at Sociedad, began his career at Osasuna before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016. That move failed to work out and in 2017 he joined Newcastle United on loan and then made a permanent switch to the Magpies for the next season. The midfielder struggled in the Premier League but has become a top-class player at Sociedad.

Merino, who helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this month, is currently on holiday after his exploits for his country. He will return for pre-season training soon but it remains to be seen if he will stay at Sociedad for next season.