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Transfers
Fabrizio Romano reacts to what he has heard Mikel Arteta is doing ‘behind the scenes’ at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has had his patience tested this summer as Arsenal’s transfer window has taken over a month to get going.
Arsenal are now making their return from their pre-season tour of the United States following their defeat against Liverpool.
Edu Gaspar has finally got Arsenal off the mark in the transfer window with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
The Italy international did not play in the final game of the tour to America against Arne Slot’s side but trip was used as a bonding activity for the new signing.
It seems it has not just been the sporting director at Arsenal who has found himself busy over recent weeks as the Gunners have searched for their first signing.
- READ MORE: ‘Unbelievable’ midfielder who Arsenal want to sign has agreed personal terms with Barcelona
What Mikel Arteta has been doing behind the scenes at Arsenal
Next for Arsenal in the summer market is a potential move for Mikel Merino who has just 12 months remaining on his contract.
It is believed Arsenal are convinced Merino would like to join them this summer with Real Sociedad already expecting the midfielder to depart.
Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Sociedad for Merino with suggestion a proposal in the region of £25m being enough to seal an agreement.
And the Spain international is a player who has been high up on Arteta’s list given his knowledge of the Spanish outfit.
According to , Arteta has been heavily involved in the recruitment side of the business done this summer.
“Arteta is, we know, discussing a contract extension, Arsenal expect it to be done soon. But also, Mikel Arteta is really influential on the market of Arsenal, together with Edu Gaspar, of course,” said Romano.
“But Mikel Arteta is working a lot behind the scenes in terms of suggesting the moves. Arteta wanted Calafiori as a priority target, and he’s now at Arsenal. They did an excellent job. And Mikel Arteta is also behind this story for Mikel Merino.”
Arsenal working on quality over quantity this summer
There was not a lot between Arsenal and Manchester City following 38 games of Premier League football.
Two points was all that separated the two sides and crowned Pep Guardiola’s side as the Premier League champions.
With this in mind, two quality signings could be all Arsenal need for the 2024/25 campaign to turn the momentum in their favour.
City have not exactly done much business themselves over the last month and a half, so there can be some confidence taken from Arteta getting what he wants so far in the market.