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Arsenal are looking to streamline their squad after faltering in the Premier League title race last season. Mikel Arteta's men faced the disappointment of missing out on the title on the final day of the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are engaged in talks to bring Mikel Merino to the Emirates. Elsewhere, West Ham United are interested in Reiss Nelson.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 29, 2024.
Arsenal in talks with Mikel Merino, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are in talks to sign Mikel Merino this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and have set their sights on the Spaniard.
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Merino is coming off an impressive campaign with Real Sociedad, registering eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions. Moreover, the player's contract is set to expire at the end of next season and he hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Mikel Arteta has preferred to sign younger talents in recent summers but is apparently willing to ignore the trend for his countryman. The north London side need a new midfielder this summer to partner Declan Rice, with Thomas Partey expected to depart.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Arsenal are yet to submit an offer for the 28-year-old
“Arsenal have been having conversations on the player side and they are prepared to attack the situation on the club side as well once they’ve completed the formal part of the Calafiori deal. There’s still no official bid from Arsenal to Real Sociedad, while we also know about interest from Spanish clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Still, Arsenal are preparing their move, with Merino remaining high on the Gunners’ list as they prepare to focus on strengthening their midfield, though he’s not the only one being considered. Merino is one of the names they like, and then we’ll have to see how conversations with Real Sociedad will go.”
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona have shelved their pursuit of Merino for now.
West Ham eyeing Reiss Nelson
West Ham United are planning to hijack Leicester City's move for Reiss Nelson, according to the Mirror. The English forward seems to have reached the end of his time at Arsenal and is set to be offloaded this summer.
Nelson struggled for chances under Mikel Arteta last season, registering one goal and three assists from 24 appearances. Despite this, the 24-year-old's stock remains high, with the Foxes already working to take him to the King Power Stadium.
However, the Hammers are also keen on securing Nelson's signature and are willing to offer £15m for the player. Recent reports have suggested that Fulham also have their eyes on the Englishman. The Gunners will be hoping that the player can ignite a bidding war for his services, which could work in their favour.
Former player sends Riccardo Calafiori warning
Former England international Stuart Pearce believes Riccardo Calafiori could struggle to cope with the defensive aspects of a full-back role. The Italian defender has joined Arsenal from Bologna this summer.
Calafiori is highly rated in the European circuit and is likely to fit like a glove into the left-back slot under Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager has used Jakub Kiwior to good effect in the position, but Calafiori could be an upgrade on the Pole.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Pierce spoke highly of the 22-year-old.
"Ben White managed to be a centre-half who turned him into an attacking full-back and I think Calafiori is one of them. He’s one of those defenders who is happy to advance with the ball, which he showed at the Euros well. I don’t think he will have too much of a problem there," said Pearce.
He continued:
"The only problem he might have is when you’ve got to defend those one-on-one situations out wide. How good is he at that? And that is the mark of a good full-back."
Calafiori registered 37 appearances last season for the Serie A side and could also be a solid cover for Gabriel in central defense.
