Mikel Arteta has work to do this summer as he looks to take his Arsenal team to the top of the Premier League.
Last summer, Arteta added a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker to the Club’s ranks. Goalkeeper David Raya has now moved permanently from Brentford following his successful loan.
Further afield, the Gunners are still waiting for their first senior additions of the summer. Speculation about Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori persists, but he is the only target.
With just over a month until the start of the new season, we can expect things to continue to accelerate in the coming weeks. Here are the newest lines from North London Mirror Football.
Arsenal have at times pursued more youthful targets during Mikel Arteta’s tenure. However, the manager may be willing to break regulations to upgrade Spanish star Mikel Merino.
Merino, 28, is part of his country’s squad for Euro 2024. Despite being a regular starter, the former Newcastle United player came off the bench to score the winning goal in the quarter-finals against Germany.
“The next step has to come from within, from me, from my analysis, to see what player I am now, where I am and where I have to go,” Merino said recently in Relevo. “Rumors are anything, I don’t care about them” because I believe that a euro is the most vital thing one can deal with and requires one hundred percent of your attention. “
Arsenal have shown the departure of Mika Biereth. The striker finished last season on loan at Sturm Graz and has now joined the Austrian club permanently for a fee believed to be around £4million.
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“We are very proud of the progress Mika has made since joining us,” said Arsenal sporting director Edu. “This new opportunity with Sturm Graz is wonderful for Mika and is a smart example of what a solid loan progression plan offers.
“Mika will play football in the Champions League when the season resumes, something he deserves for his mentality and performances in recent seasons. “
Barcelona would allow Raphinha to leave for around €60m (£51m), according to Catalan media (via Football España). Arsenal were linked with the Brazilian before his move to the Camp Nou, but it remains to be seen whether they would return at that price.
Raphinha, 27, played in the Premier League with Leeds United. He has scored 17 goals and 12 assists in the League, at a rate of one goal every 182 minutes.
While he inspired Barcelona, his chances were limited last season due to the advancement of Lamine Yamal. There have been reports of interest from Saudi Arabia, but Barca are not in a position to let him leave at a low price.
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