Thursday, February 6, 2025
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Mikel Arteta remains tight-lipped on Mikel Merino move

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to be drawn into transfer speculation after being asked about Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Wolves, Arteta stated he “cannot talk” about potential transfer targets.

Merino, who has just under a year left on his contract, will be free to negotiate a free transfer in January.

However, reports from The Times suggest that Arsenal are prepared to act now, offering £29.8 million to secure the Spanish international’s services ahead of the new season.

“You know I cannot talk about any other player,” Arteta replied when Merino was mentioned, preferring to maintain his focus on a squad some are tipping to win the title after finishing second to Manchester City in 2023-24.

Arsenal have bolstered its defense with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori for a reported fee of £42 million.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have bid farewell to midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who joins Fulham in a deal worth £34 million.

Despite concerns about the club’s attacking output last season – no striker managed to reach double figures – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in his current options, stating, “We have great strikers already.”

“Before the season, we had two objectives,” he reflected.

“The main one was to make sure that we are very much in love with our players and find ways to improve them, because that’s the main thing.

“Then [if] there are are certain opportunities in the market to improve the squad, we have to look at that.

“That’s what we are trying to do.

“We are really excited.

“We have been missing the competition for many weeks – too long for us.

“We are so willing to start, really enthusiastic about it.

“We had a really challenging pre-season but managed to adapt and it was a great challenge for everybody.

“Playing in different conditions, we took it as an opportunity and a good challenge.

“The team has looked really sharp, looked at it and desperate to play.”

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Joseph Agbobli
Joseph Agbobli
Football Correspondent at Binge Football. In the role of Football Correspondent, he's responsible for producing exclusive and original stories and interviews. Follow Joseph on X (formerly Twitter) @joseph_agbobli
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