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Mikel Arteta is still looking to strengthen his team as Arsenal target another Premier League title race with Manchester City.
Premier League side Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are making significant moves in the transfer market as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of another title challenge with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Following back-to-back defeats to the Cityzens, the Gunners are looking to reinforce key areas in the team and have reportedly agreed on a deal for another major addition.
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17:02 - 24.08.2024
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Here is a breakdown of Arteta’s recent activities in what has been a quiet summer for the Gunners.
Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad to Arsenal)
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arteta is set to land the Euro 2024 winner with Spain after a verbal agreement with LaLiga side Real Sociedad.
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Status: Verbal agreement reached
Fee: €32m plus €5m add-ons with ‘favourable payment terms’
Contract: Until 2028
Arteta has reportedly set his sights on the 28-year-old midfielder since the end of July, with the Euro 2024 winner only interested in joining the Premier League title contenders.
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While no official announcement has been made by Arsenal or Real Sociedad, the addition of the midfielder could provide much-needed depth and quality to an already quality middle third at the Emirates Stadium.
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Merino will offer both defensive stability and offensive out and with valuable experience in LaLiga and La Roja, this could prove invaluable to the Gunners and Arteta’s quest to dethrone his mentor, Guardiola.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal have already secured the services of Italian superstar Riccardo Calafiori, the promising young defender from Serie A.
At 22, Calafiori who had a fantastic debut represents both an investment for the future and an immediate reinforcement for the backline.
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His brilliant versatility, being able to play as a left-back or centre-back, will surely prove crucial for Arteta’s tactical flexibility.
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Analysis: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal in the market
These transfers indicate Arsenal’s intent to address key areas of their squad ahead of another interesting and action-packed campaign. The addition of Merino could provide competition and cover for the midfield, potentially allowing for more tactical tweaks.
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Calafiori’s signing suggests a focus on strengthening the defence despite the Gunners picking up the most clean sheets last season.
With a combined outlay of approximately €77 million, excluding add-ons, for these two quality additions, the Gunners have displayed a financial commitment to improving the squad and a belief in Arteta.
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The transfers also reflect the club’s strategy of blending experienced players with young talent. Merino’s transfer is sure to excite the club’s fans who have already witnessed their lovely club kick-start the season in blistering form after wins against Wolves and Aston Villa, the only team to do a double over them last campaign.
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