Club president says he knows his ‘world class’ £40m player has received offers after links to Arsenal

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A club president has admitted his £40m player has received offers amid rumours Arsenal want to sign.

Mikel Arteta has just added Riccardo Calafiori to his ranks and is now chasing his second signing of the summer.

It’s understood a midfielder and an attacker is high up on his list of priorities with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams top of that.

Arteta has also been personally phoning a midfield target for much of the summer and his club president has now confirmed he’s received offers.

• READ MORE: Josh Kroenke amazed by what Arsenal fans did in match against Everton last season

Real Sociedad president says Mikel Merino has received offers

Arsenal have been linked to Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino for most of the transfer window and now his club president has just confirmed that he’s received offers.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Jokin Aperribay said: “We are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them.

“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and hopefully his decision is to stay. He already knows that we want him to stay.

“He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real.

“What we think is that the club has to look to the future. Try to be stronger every year or every day.

“You don’t have to hide behind a contract when a player tells you that he wants to take advantage of an opportunity. Daily work makes us stronger.”

Mikel Merino the Granit Xhaka replacement

Arsenal never really replaced Granit Xhaka when he departed for Bayer Leverkusen last summer but with Merino seemingly on his way to North London, it seems they’ve finally found his successor.

The former Newcastle midfielder is of a very similar profile to Xhaka and will bring a great deal going forward.

Merino, who has been labelled as ‘world class’ per Yahoo Sports, is reportedly valued at around £40m.