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Arsenal are working to improve their squad before they initiate another title challenge next season. Manager Mikel Arteta will be eager to get his hand on the coveted trophy after finishing second in the last two campaigns.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are keeping a close eye on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Elsewhere, the north London side are working on a move for Rennes attacker Desire Doue.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 17, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Mikel Merino, says journalist
Arsenal have a genuine interest in Mikel Merino, according to club insider Charles Watts. The Spanish midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad but is unlikely to sign a new deal.
Arteta is looking for a new midfielder this summer amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Thomas Partey. Merino has emerged as an option, although he's also being eyed by Barcelona.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts said that the Gunners are yet to make a formal approach for the 28-year-old.
"Arsenal are interested in Mikel Merino, but I’m not aware that things have moved beyond the interest stage yet. He is a player they appreciate, but it’s been difficult to progress things while Merino has been away with Spain at the Euros," w rote Watts.
He continued:
“Midfield is an area Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer, with Merino’s Spanish international team-mate Martin Zubimendi another player the club admires."
Watts went on to admit that Merino's versatility could be an asset for the north London side.
“Merino has just turned 28, so he is a bit older than the type of player that Arsenal usually go for under Mikel Arteta and Edu, but they have shown with Leandro Trossard and Jorginho that they will add older players should they believe the deal is worth doing.
"And Merino does tick a lot of the boxes in terms of what Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder," wrote Watts.
He concluded:
“He can play as a No.6, but he can also play in a more advanced box to box type role. So he would bring the versatility that Arteta demands from any player that he signs.
"It is a potential deal to keep an eye on this summer when it comes to Arsenal, but it must be noted that there are some top clubs in Spain who are also mulling over a move for the Euro 2024 winner.”
Merino scored eight goals and set up five in 45 games for Sociedad last season across competition. He also won Euro 2024 with Spain.
Gunners not working to sign Desire Doue, says journalist
Arsenal are not in talks to sign Desire Doue this summer, according to Charles Watts. The Frenchman has recently been linked with a move away from Rennes.
Doue endeared himself to his suitors following an impressive 2023-24 campaign, registering four goals and six assists in 43 games across competitions. Arteta is looking for a new face this summer to share the attacking load with Bukayo Saka, and the 19-year-old fits the bill.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Watts said that Doue is not part of discussions at the Emirates at the moment.
“I’m constantly getting questions from Arsenal fans asking whether the club are interested.
"But it’s not one that I’ve ever had confirmed to me. That’s not to say the interest isn’t there of course, it’s just not something I have heard myself yet," wrote Watts.
He continued:
“But when you look at Doue, he does look like the type of player who could impress at Arsenal.
"The thing is though, Arteta already has several talented attacking midfielders within his squad and until their futures are sorted it looks difficult for Arsenal to bring anyone in."
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move for the Frenchman.
West Ham United interested in Reiss Nelson
West Ham United have entered the race to sign Reiss Nelson, according to Football Insider. The 24-year-old is a forgotten man at the Emirates, managing just 24 appearances last season, most of which were from the bench.
With Arteta looking for attacking reinforcements this summer, Nelson's situation is unlikely to change any time soon. The manager is also looking to offload fringe players this summer, so Nelson is likely to be on his way.
The Hammers have set their sights on the player as they embark on a new journey under Julen Lopetegui, who has apparently identified Nelson as a good fit to his style of play.
The 24-year-old has ample experience in the Premier League and could hit the ground running at the London Stadium. A move to West Ham could also help him secure regular football and get his career back on track.
Nelson is under contract with the Gunners till 2027, but the club are likely to let him go for a suitable fee. His departure could help them adhere to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, given that he has been at the Emirates since he was nine.
