Arsenal enquired about £50m player in May but he’s now about to join Aston Villa

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According to a recent report, Arsenal made contact to sign a £50m-rated player in May but their pursuit never intensified.

The North Londoners have been patient this summer transfer window and have enquired about a number of players over the last couple of months.

They’re yet to make their first signing of the summer but are now closing in on the signature of Riccardo Calafiori.

After the Calafiori deal is completed, Arsenal are expected to move for a midfielder, though, they’re set to miss out on one they enquired about in May.

• READ MORE: Martin Odegaard could be key in Arsenal’s bid to sign ‘world class’ player this summer

Arsenal enquired about Amadou Onana in May

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal made contact to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in May but they never formalised their interest with a bid.

Now, Onana is on the verge of completing a £50m deal to join fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa, who have stolen a march on his signature, fending off interest from Barcelona.

The Gunners admired the Belgium international but evidently felt Mikel Merino was better suited to Mikel Arteta’s style of play.

That’s the man they’re now chasing to sign, with Arteta even personally phoning him to try and get him to join Arsenal.

Mikel Merino deal to accelerate

Arsenal’s pursuit of Merino is now expected to accelerate in the coming days following his return from Euro 2024.

The Spain international is set to decide his future and it’s understood a summer exit from Real Sociedad is likely.

Barcelona will provide Arsenal with stiff competition, though, at this stage, it seems The Gunners have their nose out in front.

A telling few days await.

In other news, Aston Villa could now try and beat Arsenal to ‘world class’ midfielder who Mikel Arteta loves.