‘Brilliant’ player has rejected Arsenal but that could be good news for Mikel Arteta

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have faced rejection from one player, but that could open the door for Mikel Arteta to sign one of his key targets this summer.

The Gunners are getting busier in the transfer market. TBR Football exclusively revealed on Friday that Riccardo Calafiori has arrived for his Arsenal medical.

The Italian is expected by many to be a huge hit in North London under Arteta, but he will definitely not be the only signing in this window.

Arsenal are also on the market for a new midfielder, and one of their targets has snubbed a move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, that may be good news for the Gunners.

Arsenal receive Mikel Merino boost after Marc Bernal rejects Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are short of options in the middle of their park.

The Gunners released Mohamed Elneny in the summer, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has been loaned out to Sevilla. Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of leaving Arsenal too.

Arteta could do with a new midfielder, and if E-Noticias are to be believed, Arsenal made a monstrous offer to Marc Bernal.

However, the youngster rejected a move to the Emirates and has extended his contract at Barcelona.

The report claims that Barca boss Hansi Flick is a huge admirer of the ‘brilliant‘ Bernal and even believes he will be the next Sergio Busquets at the Camp Nou.

Flick was so desperate to keep him that he rejected Barcelona sporting director Deco’s idea of signing Martin Zubimendi or Mikel Merino. He only wanted Bernal for that role.

Missing out on a huge talent like Bernal is sad for Arsenal, but that may have now led to Barcelona dropping out of the race to sign Merino.

That opens the door for the Gunners to get the Real Sociedad midfielder now.

Arsenal may have a free run at signing Mikel Merino

Merino has been a wanted man this summer.

The Spaniard has entered the final year of his contract at Real Sociedad, and the expectation is that he will leave them in this window.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to sign Merino, but the Premier League runners-up have had some serious competition.

Reports claimed earlier in July that Barcelona could beat Arsenal to Merino’s signature, but following the update from E-Noticias, the Gunners can consider themselves in the lead.

Furthermore, reports have emerged that Arsenal staff are now convinced that Merino will join them this summer, which is great news as he checks a lot of boxes for Arteta.