Arsenal get Merino transfer green light in double update after Onana agreement

Arsenal have been handed numerous updates in their search to sign a new midfielder this summer. With an exit for Thomas Partey likely, signing a replacement to strengthen in his position is the priority ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as football.london have reported over the last few months.

Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi all have long-term admirers at Emirates Stadium, though a potential deal for any of the three seems highly unlikely. Mikel Merino, Amadou Onana and Youssouf Fofana have been linked as a result, though the latter duo appear set for moves elsewhere.

Earlier this week, it was revealed AC Milan and Fofana had agreed on personal terms and that negotiations over a fee with Monaco were ongoing. While a late hijack from the Premier League is always possible, it was also made clear the 25-year-old had given his priority to joining Milan.

Onana meanwhile, is on the verge of finalising a £50million transfer to Aston Villa, as per the Athletic’s David Ornstein. With Onana and Fofana now seemingly off the table, Arsenal’s midfield options are dwindling, though Merino remains a target with two updates emerging on his future.

As Merino and Spain are in Sunday’s European Championship final where they will face England, it is unlikely there will be any movement over a transfer despite Arsenal’s enquiries. With the 28-year-old’s contract expiring next summer, Arsenal will hope to strike a bargain with Arteta a huge fan of his physicality.

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Sociedad want just €30million (£25m) to sell Merino this summer with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also keeping tabs on the midfielder.

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Merino is said to have a £55million release clause in his contract, but that price could significantly drop as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal. Despite that, the Gunners may still need to offload players before making further signings.

The likes of Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale have all been linked to an exit with Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga already having departures finalised.