Arsenal would be in pole position to seal the signing of Frenchman Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman is at the end of his contract after leaving Juventus and has been linked with many big European clubs.
The Gunners have already been active in the summer transfer window, sealing the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42m.
And the club is also said to be close to reaching an agreement for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Mikel Arteta and his teammates have been very busy on their pre-season tour of the United States, but that hasn’t stopped them from moving forward. And according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, it is the north London club, along with Real Madrid. and Atletico, who now occupy a privileged position despite Manchester United’s past interest.
Rabiot represented his country at Euro 2024 this summer and in July Juventus showed that the 29-year-old had rejected the offer of a new contract in Turin. The player himself went to social networks to verify the news.
“After five seasons at Juventus, five years in Turin, I have to say goodbye and thank you,” he wrote. “All of you who have been there for me. The club and its entire squad. And you fans, close and very affectionate!”
United have already failed in their own attempts to sign Rabiot and he is expected to return this summer. Former Liverpool player Didi Hamann also suggested the Reds make their own selection for the 2018 World Cup winner.
Despite signing Declan Rice for £105m last summer, Arteta appears keen to add more strength to the midfield. Emilie Smith-Rowe is leaving for Fulham, while Thomas Partey’s long career is also in doubt amid an injury-plagued season.
The progression follows reports that Merino’s £25 million move to the Emirates is being finalised. Spain, 28, starred as his country won European Championship glory in Germany.
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The Gunners have submitted a verbal offer worth £25m plus bonuses for the player, who has just 12 months left on his current contract. His past was in the Premier League at Newcastle in 2017/18.
Merino first joined Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan, and the deal became permanent months later. He played 25 competitive appearances with the Magpies, but left for the Society after only one season.
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