Arsenal in 'pole position' over surprise transfer despite Mikel Merino deal close

Arsenal are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to seal the signing of French international Adrien Rabiot. The French international is out of contract after leaving Juventus, and has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs.

The Gunners have already been active in the summer transfer window, sealing the signing of Bologna defencer Riccardo Calafiori for a £42million fee.

And the club are also said to be closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Mikel Arteta and co have been very busy on their pre-season tour of the US, but that hasn’t stopped their transfer business taking place. And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, it’s the north London club, as well as Real Madrid and Atletico, now in prime position despite the previous interest of Manchester United.

Rabiot represented his country at Euro 2024 this summer, and in July, Juventus confirmed the 29-year-old had turned down the offer of a new deal in Turin. The player himself duly took to social media to confirm the news.

“After five seasons at Juventus, five years in Turin, I want to say goodbye and thank you,” he wrote. “All of you who have been there for me. The club and all its staff. And you fans, always close and very affectionate!”

United have previously failed in their own attempts to sign Rabiot, and were expected to come back in this summer. Former Liverpool plater Didi Hamann has also urged The Reds to make their own move for the 2018 World Cup winner.

Despite the £105million signing of Declan Rice last summer, Arteta appears keen to add more midfield power. Emilie Smith-Rowe is departing for Fulham while the future of Thomas Partey is also in doubt amid an injury plagued season.

The development follows reports that the £25million move of Merino to the Emirates is in the process of being finalised. The 28-year-old Spain international featured as his country took Euros glory in Germany.

The Gunners have submitted a verbal proposal worth £25million plus bonuses for the player, who has just 12 months left on his current deal. His previous Premier League stint came at Newcastle in 2017/18.

Merino initially joined on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, with the deal made permanent months later. He made 25 competitive appearances for the Magpies, but left for Sociedad after just one season.