Mikel Arteta faces Mykhailo Mudryk repeat as Chelsea now ‘very interested’ in £25m Arsenal target

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Arsenal now once again find themselves competing with Chelsea in a race to sign one summer transfer target. 

Arsenal and Chelsea have gone head-to-head in the transfer market on numerous occasions in recent years.

This clash was perhaps most notable in the case of Mykhailo Mudryk, as the Gunners looked to be on the verge of signing the Ukrainian winger, before their London rivals swooped in at the last to secure his services for themselves. 

Mikel Arteta was also keen to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, but the midfielder also ended up at Stamford Bridge. 

More recently, the Blues looked to rival the North London outfit for the signature of Riccardo Calafiori. On this occasion, though, the Gunners look to have gained the upper hand. Calafiori sent a message to Chelsea stating Arsenal as his preferred destination, and he is now on the verge of a switch to the Emirates Stadium. 

This transfer market duel is now set to continue, as Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Mikel Merino. 

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal and Chelsea in fight to sign Mikel Merino

According to journalist Pablo Barea, reporting on X: “Mikel Merino is about to leave for the Premier League. It seems that Chelsea is the team that is very interested. My information is that he is leaving.”

Arsenal hold an interest in signing Merino, who impressed for Spain at Euro 2024 this summer, even featuring in the win over England in the final. 

Merino is available for just £25 million this summer, as Real Sociedad are wary of the danger of losing the 28-year-old as a free agent next summer. Arteta is also willing to facilitate a move for Merino by abandoning Arsenal’s policy of signing young players. 

However, it seems that Chelsea have now stolen a march on the Gunners yet again. If Arsenal are serious about signing the midfielder, then they will likely need to act fast. 

As things stand, Arsenal have made no contact to begin negotiations for Merino. It could well be the case that Arteta is comfortable allowing Chelsea to win this particular race, with his heart set on alternative targets.