Arsenal is set to submit an opening bid for a remarkable player, with Mikel Arteta having approved the move…

Arsenal is gearing up to make its initial offer for a highly regarded player, with Mikel Arteta giving his endorsement.

The club’s summer transfer activity is poised to increase significantly in the coming days as they intensify efforts to secure their second signing.

After extensive discussions, Arsenal successfully finalized the acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. As the team returns to London Colney following their tour of the United States, Arteta’s strategies for the upcoming season are beginning to take shape.

Although the manager had no new players to assess during their overseas trip, Calafiori joined the squad later in the journey.

With less than two weeks remaining before the season commences, Arsenal is now focused on making their first bid for one of their key targets.

Arsenal is preparing to make a £25.7 million offer for an ‘incredible’ player. It is worth noting that the top three teams in the Premier League from last season have not been particularly active in the transfer market thus far.

Manchester City has only signed one player, Savinho, while Liverpool has yet to make any acquisitions. In this context, Arsenal’s activity appears commendable, especially as they have secured one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.

However, acquiring another standout player from this summer’s European Championship would send a strong message from the north London club. According to AS, Arsenal is planning a €30 million (£25.7 million) bid for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international has recently resumed training with Sociedad after a delayed summer break due to the Euros.

This potential transfer has reportedly received the green light from Arteta, with Edu Gaspar overseeing the negotiations, amid interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

With approximately four weeks left in the transfer window, there is a strong expectation in Spain that this will become a significant storyline.

Mikel Merino is prominently featured on Mikel Arteta’s list of desired signings for Arsenal. After strengthening their defense with the acquisition of Calafiori, Arsenal is now poised to make a notable addition to their midfield by pursuing Merino.

According to reports, Arteta has already approved this transfer, as the Spaniard is eager to bring his fellow countryman on board.

This interest is hardly surprising, considering Merino has been praised as ‘incredible’ following an outstanding performance in Euro 2024 this summer.

The player has resumed training with Real Sociedad, demonstrating his strong character, but Arsenal will be hoping this transfer does not become as protracted as their previous deal for Calafiori.