Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists there is plenty of time for the Gunners to complete their drawn-out pursuit of Mikel Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder appears set to finally complete his switch to the Emirates Stadium and is travelling to London to complete a medical.
Merino has been the subject of interest from Arsenal for most of the summer. A reported £34million deal has now been agreed between the two clubs.
Asked for an update on Merino’s future, Arteta said: “I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us. There’s still time in the market.”
“I don’t know,” the Spaniard added when quizzed on whether the £34m deal will be completed soon. “The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment.”
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The 42-year-old said of Arsenal’s possible activity in the remainder of the window: "You have to be alert and prepared, because a lot of surprises can come."
Merino's arrival at Arsenal could be funded by several outgoings before the window slams shut on August 30. Eddie Nkietah is the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, who are claimed to have made a bid for the England striker in recent days. According to ESPN, the £30m proposal is poised to be accepted by the north Londoners.
However, Arteta has warned Nketiah and Forest that an agreement will only take place if the terms are right for all parties. He said of the 25-year-old's future: “I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. Whatever happens will happen if it’s good for everybody.”
Arsenal are anticipating a busy final week in the transfer window, with the signing of Merino taking priority over the next few days. The 28-year-old, who had a brief spell at Newcastle earlier in his career, is reportedly expected to sign a four-year deal.
How Arteta fits all his midfield options into one team could be one of the key stories to follow over the coming weeks. There is an expectation that Merino will play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the pitch. Where that leaves Thomas Partey and Jorginho remains to be seen.
Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber is also in contention to play in midfield, despite arriving from Ajax having spent much of his career at right-back or centre-back.
Asked if the Dutchman, who spent most of last season out with an ACL injury, is part of Arsenal’s midfield options, Arteta responded: “Yeah he is. He can play in various positions.
“His versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He played some quality minutes the other day. Having that capacity to find what the squad is needing in that minute is really valued.”
