Arsenal have just ended their pursuit of ‘one of the best’ players in the world

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Arsenal have put an end to their pursuit of a highly-rated player on the continent.

The North Londoners are away in the US on a pre-season tour but behind the scenes, Edu Gaspar will be at the centre of transfer negotiations.

Nico Williams is thought to be at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist and he’s also keen to bring in a midfielder to help him in his quest to win the Premier League title.

With that said, one of his rumoured priority targets is now unlikely to make the switch to the Emirates this summer.

• READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano shares overnight update on Nico Williams after Arsenal links

Arsenal end pursuit of Mikel Merino

According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal have ended their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who is considered ‘one of the best’ players in the world, per Breaking The Lines.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked to the North Londoners for much of the transfer window and he’s even been in direct contact with Mikel Arteta.

Though, it’s claimed Sociedad are yet to receive any offers for the 28-year-old and Barcelona have also ended their interest, too.

It remains to be seen if the deal is completely dead but as it stands, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid seem to be the most likely destination.

Arsenal focusing on outgoings

Arsenal appear to be focusing much of their attention on offloading players, with Emile Smith Rowe close to joining Fulham for a substantial fee worth £35m.

Reiss Nelson is also being linked with an exit, as talks take place with newly-promoted Leicester City, who are confident of striking a deal.

Perhaps once these two deals are completed, the club will start to really ramp up their summer business – which has been few and far between so far.

In other news, Arsenal are insisting on trying to bring ‘incredible’ £86m striker to the Emirates.