Arsenal’s Next Target Revealed: Arteta’s Pointed Transfer Message
Published 10:19 25 Aug 2024 GMT+1
Arsenal aren’t stopping with the signing of Mikel Merino. The Spain international midfielder is expected to become the Gunners’ third permanent senior signing this summer after goalkeeper David Raya and defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The deal is worth an initial £28.4 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons for the midfielder, who played in all seven matches of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning campaign. He had entered the final 12 months of his deal at Real Sociedad, and was not in their squad for the 1-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta often remains tight-lipped about the club’s transfer business, but broke ranks after the 2-0 win over Aston Villa to admit that there is still one area he wants to strengthen. Speaking to the press, Arteta said: "It’s true we had an injury with Gabriel Jesus, and we missed him. We are a little bit short [in forward areas] and if we can do something, then we will do it."
The Spaniard also highlighted the importance of having a robust squad, stating: "We don’t have 23 outfield players, and normally you have to be equipped like that. We have to trust some academy players and make sure we look after the ones that we have to be robust and play a lot of minutes. So far, looking good. I’m happy."
So, who is Arsenal’s next target? While Arteta didn’t reveal too much, we can take a educated guess. With Jesus’s injury concerns and the lack of depth in the forward line, it’s likely that the Gunners will be looking for a new striker. Someone like… [insert name here]. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Arsenal are building a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.
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