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Arsenal are interested in signing Spain’s Euro 2024 hero Mikel Merino this summer.
Real Sociedad star Merino was on the spot to score a dramatic last-gasp header in the last minute of extra time against Germany last week, sending La Roja into the semi-finals of the European Championship.
The 28-year-old, who spent a year at Newcastle United before returning to Spain in 2018, is now firmly on Arsenal’s radar with Mikel Arteta a huge admirer, The Athletic report.
Arsenal are believed to be closing in on a deal to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori but are also interested in signing a central midfielder.
The Gunners would typically target younger players but Arteta is willing to make an exception in this case, impressed with Merino’s ability and physicality.
Arsenal are also interested in signing Merino’s Spain teammate Nico Williams, who has been one of the standout stars of Euro 2024.
The report adds that if Arsenal were to sign a wide player this summer, the Athletic Bilbao star would be Arteta’s preferred choice.
Williams has a growing number of admirers with Barcelona and Chelsea also both credited with firm interest in the 21-year-old.
The winger scored five goals and laid on 11 assists for his club last season and has distanced himself from any talk of a move away from the Basque club this summer.
‘I’ve seen reports talking about my future, but honestly I have no clue of anything,’ Williams said.
‘Right now, I want to focus on the Euros and nothing else. ‘I am so happy in Bilbao, I signed a new deal and performed well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I will do. Nobody can tell you about the future.’
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s president, Jon Uriarte, has attempted to play down the speculation over Williams’ future.
‘Nico is very happy in Bilbao and in Athletic and has commented on this many times,’ Uriarte said. ‘We are very happy with Nico.’
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