“Guardiola is my good friend but the player has choosen to join Arsenal and I can’t force him”: Manager responds to Man city eye-watering bid to hijack Arsenal transfer despite player has completed his medical to join Arteta’s side

“Guardiola is a good friend of mine, but I can’t force him to join Arsenal. He has made that decision”: The manager reacts to Man City’s tantalising attempt to sabotage Arsenal’s transfer even after the player has finished his medical clearance to join Arteta’s team.

Real Sociedad’s top player is someone Arsenal is keen to sign, according to Mundo Deportivo (Gipuzkoa edition).

Mikel Merino is the top midfield target for the Gunners, and it was recently reported that Sociedad received a verbal offer of £26 million.

Mundo Deportivo, however, assert that no formal bid has been submitted.

Sociedad hasn’t received a bid from Arsenal, but they are “prepared to go all out” for the Spain international.

The only team to submit a proposition is Atletico Madrid, but Merino rejected them.

Merino might sign with Arsenal very soon.
The Spaniard and the Gunners have already reached a long-term personal agreement. Given that Sociedad has signed a replacement, a transfer may occur soon.

The La Liga team has officially announced Luka Susic’s transfer from Red Bull Salzburg. He is a central midfielder with left foot who is expected to replace Merino.

Arsenal usually likes to finish one deal at a time. They could now intensify their chase of Merino after confirming Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham today.

Kieran Tierney has called Merino “world-class,” and with his defensive prowess and inventiveness in the midfield, he would be a great addition.

In addition to 6.2 recoveries and 2.4 tackles per La Liga game last season, the Euro 2024 winner won an incredible 10.2 duels. Additionally, he nearly double-checked every expedition.

With 13 goal contributions, the former Newcastle United player also looked impressive in the closing third. With his versatility, he might be the ideal addition for boss Mikel Arteta.

Data sourced from Sofascore.com and Transfermarkt.com