A round-up of Arsenal news including the latest developments on the pursuit of a Spanish midfielder and reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performance against Bournemouth.
It has been a manic couple of days for Arsenal fans.
The deal for Riccardo Calafiori to move to Arsenal seems only a matter of time away. Reports have emerged that a deal for Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham is close. Meanwhile, Hale End talent shone on the big stage in the pre-season opener.
If the latest Arsenal news is anything to go by, Edu won’t be stopping his business there.
Mikel Merino edges closer to Arsenal move
Ever since Granit Xhaka departed, Arsenal have been crying out for a midfielder to emulate the performances from his last season at the club.
In that area of the pitch, Thomas Partey could leave the club since his latest performances have been far from reassuring, but Arteta is a fan of him as we know.
PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz’ name had been mooted a lot for an Arsenal move, but it appears that could well have been a smokescreen for his counterpart Mikel Merino, who has been labelled as the perfect Xhaka replacement.
Arsenal insider Team News and Tix has shared the latest on the club’s pursuit of Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder Merino on Patreon as the deal seems near.
“Arsenal have ramped up efforts to sign Mikel Merino & are edging closer to a deal, with the belief the player has chosen Arsenal. As of now, the club feel confident Merino will be an Arsenal player,” he said.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also weighed in on X after an approach was made to the player: “Arsenal have still not presented any official bid for Mikel Merino as their focus was on sealing Calafiori deal.
“Formal contacts for new midfielder will start in the next days with Merino in the list, approaches took place on player side.”
The 28-year-old led Europe’s top five leagues for duels won last season, so it’s no surprise that Arteta is keen to get his man.
Given Barcelona seem to have cooled their interest in the combative midfielder, there is definitely legs to this potential signing.
With a year left on his contract, it is thought that a £25m offer could be enough to reunite him with former Real Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard. He has also played with Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal during his Spain stint.
Read more on how Mikel Merino could fit in at Arsenal here.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s impressive pre-season performance in new role
Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign in the States with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in LA.
Far from the ideal result, but the Arsenal fanbase were taken aback by the performance of Hale End youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal have been re-training Lewis-Skelly into the left-back role from his original midfeld position, and it was in this newer role that he played against Bournemouth.
His on-ball skill was clear as day to see, he didn’t look fazed and was well-equipped to compete physically. Some fans even compared him to the highly-rated midfielder Moussa Dembele.
The teenager is becoming a real favourite among fans and with former Hale End man Amario Cozier-Duberry already starring for Brighton in pre-season, he will be keen to make his chance count.
Speaking on X, one fan said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are ridiculous talents. So physically robust, riding challenges for fun against PL footballers and the confidence they play with isn’t normal. They must play men’s football this season. Prioritise loans if they aren’t going to be used.”
Another stated: “After watching Lewis skelly and Ethan Nwaneri cook against Bournemouth, Mikel HAS to give them both minutes in the first team no matter what !”
Read more on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pre-season performance here.
Where Arteta currently stands with Fabio Vieira
Another standout player from the opener in USA was Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira.
It was his goal teed up by Leicester City linked Reiss Nelson that broke the deadlock in the first half.
Inconsistency has been the main issue for the 24-year-old as he divides opinion among Arsenal fans.
Some had even hoped he would be out the door instead of Emile Smith Rowe who missed the game due to transfer talks with Fulham over a £35m move across London.
All at the club will be hoping Vieira’s volley will be the necessary springboard into the new season for the tricky midfielder.
Arsenal Insider sources understand that Vieira is a player that Arteta really likes, but that is also true of a number of players in his squad.
However, the Spanish coach is adamant that there is a useful player in Vieira. They could easily have sold him this summer, but as it stands he isn’t going anywhere. He is one to watch this season with a point to prove.
Read more about the current Arsenal stance on Fabio Vieira here.
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