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‘One of the best’ players in Europe misses training after claims he’s going to join Arsenal

Mark Marston

Wed 21 August 2024 13:11, UK

Arsenal are really starting to ramp up their summer transfer business with deadline day fast approaching.

The Gunners are working on new arrivals and outings, with Aaron Ramsdale in talks to join Wolves and Eddie Nketiah close toღ le🎐aving for Nottingham Forest.

On the incoming front, Mikel Arteta is desperate to bring i🔯n a midfielder and has been in talks to sign one from the continent.

Now a major update has 🍎just emerged on that deal.

• READ MORE: Joan Garcia breaks silence after bಞeiꦇng strongly linked with move to Arsenal

Mikel Merino didn’t train with Real Sociedad today

Arsenal have been in talks to sign Mikel Merino for moꦛst of the summer transfer and now a deal is edging cl💖oser.

Merino, former🦄ly of Newcastle, is now expected to join The Gunners this week, completing a £25m deal from Real Sociedad.

According to , the 28-y𒊎ear-old didn’t train with the La Liga outfit today, which suggests he’s due to fly to London imminently.

Sociedad pre🔯sident Jokin Aperribay is due to meet Arsenal to close the deal this week, so there’s a possibility Merino, who’s been labelled ‘on🐷e of the best in Europ♏e’ per , could be available for the clash against Aston Villa on the weekend.

Arsenal now need a striker

Merino is evidently a fantastic addition but Arsenalဣ still need ෴to bring in a specialist number nine before the window slams shut on August 30.

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked to the Emirates, though, thaಞt deal is expected to cost north of £50m, which may be out of their price range.

Perhaps Aston Villa’s Jhon🍨 Duran should be considered as he’s availabℱle on the market for around £40m and certainly has the scope to become a prolific forward in the Premier League.

A telling week lies ahead…