Arsenal's summer transfer window remains at a standstill as the Gunners look to conclude their first piece of business.

Mikel Arteta's side are closing in on the potential signing of Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori but a deal has not been finalised.

Calafiori has reportedly agreed on a five-year deal with Arsenal this summer with just details between the clubs needing to be agreed.

But that is not to say Arsenal do not have other targets on their mind with small improvements needed to close the gap on Manchester City.

However, they may now face competition from Barcelona for one of their midfield targets this summer following Euro 2024.

This has been the case with Nico Williams who has been excelling for Spain as they have now secured their spot in the final on Sunday.

The Spanish winger is another player who Arsenal and Barcelona both have on their radar after seeing what he has done for Athletic Club and Spain over the campaign.

But he is not the only Spaniard who the two European giants are looking to potentially sign over the coming weeks.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are keen on the Arsenal target Mikel Merino this summer.

The Gunners are believed to view the 28-year-old as a good opportunity in the summer transfer window.

And he is a player who Arteta will have had a good look at over the campaign given Romano has said Real Sociedad are a team the Spaniard has watched closely.

What Kieran Tierney said about Mikel Merino The midfielder has enjoyed an excellent Euro 2024 with Spain having scored the winning goal in their quarter final against Germany.

Merino has previously played in the Premier League during a brief spell with Newcastle United and even played alongside Kieran Tierney at Sociedad.

During their spell together in Spain, the Arsenal left-back hailed the midfielder as 'world class'.

However, the Gunners are seemingly up against it in their transfer pursuits this summer with Barcelona providing real competition over multiple targets.