Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is reportedly prepared to take a personal approach as he attempts to sign Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino this summer.
The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty with Spain at Euro 2024 in Germany, where La Roja are fighting for their fourth European crown.
Luis de la Fuente's troops made it to the final of the competition on Sunday against England after beating 2022 World Cup finalists France in the semi-finals.
Merino only managed 14 minutes of action at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, with the midfielder making a much greater contribution during the quarter-final win over hosts Germany.
The Sociedad star arrived off the bench versus Die Mannschaft and netted an extra-time winner for Spain, who are now favourites to win the competition this weekend.
© Reuters
Arsenal manager Arteta 'keen' on Spain star Merino
According to Spanish outlet Deportivo Mundo - via football.london - Arsenal are interested in securing the services of Merino during the summer transfer window.
The report states that Gunners head coach Arteta is a massive admirer of the 28-year-old, who has played 245 games for Sociedad over the past six years.
It is believed that the Arsenal boss is taking a different approach to the race for Merino, with the Spanish manager 'personally trying to convince' the midfielder to move to England.
The La Roja star has 12 months left on his current deal at Sociedad, meaning that the Spanish club could opt to sell the player this summer to avoid losing him for nothing next year.
Merino is said to have a £55m release clause in his contract, however Arsenal are hoping to secure the services of the former Newcastle United man for significantly less.
![Italy's Riccardo Calafiori on June 24, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/riccardo-calafiori.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Italy's Riccardo Calafiori on June 24, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Arsenal looking to improve their spine
While Arteta turns on the charm in order to recruit compatriot Merino, Arsenal are also in the hunt for centre-back reinforcements this month.
It is claimed that the Gunners are in pursuit of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is valued at around £42m by the Champions League-bound Italians.
The 22-year-old impressed massively at this summer's Euro 2024 for Italy, despite Luciano Spalletti's troops exiting the competition at the round-of-16 stage following a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
Arsenal have also been linked to a number of striking options recently, including Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.
