'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAgLMqf//EACEQAAEDBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwUABAYTFRIyNHHS/9oACAEBAAE/ALTM3XZgInlchVkw8oJR7ds9qvZQQ166AuBO5GQmnUhcq991/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECERL/2gAIAQIBAT8A04qz/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIhMf/aAAgBAwEBPwBrh//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad following an impressive rise recently. Mikel Arteta's team finished second in the Premier League last season, two points behind Manchester City, who won the title on the final day.
Meanwhile, the north London side are considering a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. Elsewhere, the Gunners have entered the race to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 10, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Mikel Merino
Arsenal have set their sights on Mikel Merino, according to The Athletic. The Spanish midfielder has earned raved reviews with his performances for Real Sociedad in the 2023-24 campaign.
Merino registered eight goals and five assists in 45 games across competitions, turning heads at multiple clubs across the continent. Interestingly, the player's contract expires in a year, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The 28-year-old doesn't match the Gunners' youth-based transfer policy. However, Arteta is reportedly a fan of his countryman and is willing to make an expectation for Merino.
The manager is looking for an able replacement for Thomas Partey, who is expected to leave the Emirates this summer. Merino could be an option for the job and could be available for a cut-priced fee this year.
Gunners want Eberechi Eze
Arsenal are planning to move for Eberechi Eze this summer, according to The Guardian. Arteta remains keen to upgrade his attack after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season.
The manager was heavily reliant on Bukayo Saka to make things happen in the final third. Arteta now wants to bring in more support for his star player. Eze has emerged as a target following a stellar showing with Crystal Palace last campaign.
The 26-year-old registered 11 goals and six assists in 31 games across competitions. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Eze is equally adept at operating in the left-forward position, and his versatility is likely to entice the Gunners.
The Englishman has a £60 million release clause in his contract and won't come cheap this summer. Arsenal also face competition from Tottenham Hotspur for the 26-year-old.
Jakub Kiwior likely to leave, says journalist
Jakub Kiwior could be on his way this summer, according to journalist Charles Watts. The Polish defender has been in and out of the team since arriving at the Emirates in January 2023.
Last season, the 24-year-old registered 30 appearances across competitions, filling in admirably at left-back position. However, with Arteta close to securing the services of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, Kiwior's future remains uncertain.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts added that the Pole was a popular man under Arteta.
“It does seem like a defender will have to move on should Calafiori arrive, although right now it does seem that the Italian could come in before a departure takes place.
"The most likely option is that Jakob Kiwior could go. He has a very similar profile to Calafiori so it’s hard to see how they could both be utilised should they be in the squad together,” wrote Watts.
He continued:
“Kiwior is popular at Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff are happy with the progress he has made since he signed.
"He got plenty of minutes last season and Arteta trusted him enough to play him in a lot of big games, even if that was mainly as a stand in left-back."
Watts insisted that the Gunners will demand more than the reported €15 million fee for the 24-year-old.
“So if he does leave, then Arsenal will want to get a good deal for the 24-year-old. They spent around £20m to sign him just 18 months ago and he has improved as a defender since then," wrote Watts.
He concluded:
“I’ve seen figures such as €15m (£12.5m) mentioned and that quite frankly is laughable.
"Arsenal are already viewed as poor sellers when it comes to the transfer market and a deal like that would be a terrible precedent to set in a summer when the club are looking to make good money on a number of departures.”
Kiwior was previously linked with a move to AC Milan, and the Rossoneri could be in the race for his services this summer.
