Arsenal still have ‘very, very good chance’ of signing £25m player but it’s not imminent

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Arsenal haven’t acted quickly in this summer transfer window, making just one major signing so far in the shape of Riccardo Calafiori.

This time last year, Arsenal had basically done all of their big business with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber already joining, while the David Raya rumours were just beginning to take shape.

However, this time around, Arsenal have only made one major signing so far, and while there are rumours that Mikel Merino is close to joining, that doesn’t quite appear to be the case.

Indeed, according to James McNicholas, speaking on the Arsecast, Merino isn’t actually that close to joining Arsenal.

However, that being said, McNicholas says that he does still think there’s a good chance this deal gets done, but he doesn’t think it will happen that quickly.

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Mikel Merino likely to join Arsenal, but not imminently

The journalist shared what he knows about the £25m midfielder.

“There is a lot of reporting around that situation and not all of it is accurate as far as I can tell. I don’t think it is as advanced as some reports would have you believe,” McNicholas said.

“That isn’t to say that it isn’t going to happen. There’s a very, very good chance that it does, but as you say, he’s reported to training and I don’t get the sense anything is imminent.

“I think there’s a long way to go and there are other options in that position that Arsenal will be exploring.

“He is Mikel Arteta’s preference, and I can’t get away from the suspicion that Arteta gets what Arteta wants.

“If I was putting money on it I would say that he probably will be an Arsenal player, but whether it will be in time for this week or the upcoming friendlies, I am less confident.”

Arsenal don’t need Merino promptly

Mikel Merino to Arsenal looks like it will may get done eventually, but it may take a while to get over the line.

Luckily, Arsenal aren’t in a position where they desperately need Merino to sign straight away.

Indeed, the Gunners’ midfield isn’t exactly short at the moment. Declan Rice is back in training now, while Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both also fit and ready to play.

Merino would be a welcomed addition to this squad, but this isn’t a signing Arsenal need to scramble to get done.