Arsenal have had a quiet summer transfer window and they are yet to make an outfield signing.

The club recently reached an agreement with Bologna to purchase Riccardo Calafiori, but they are still waiting for the Serie A outfit to negotiate payment terms with Basel over the sell-on clause.

While that happens, the club are expected to focus on more reinforcements. It was reported yesterday that a new midfielder and a forward could be signed after the arrival of the Italy international.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa now report that Arsenal are 'best placed' to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer amid interest from the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

The Spaniard considers the Gunners as the best destination. He believes their playing style suits him and a move to the Premier League would be good for the sporting and financial side of his career.

Arsenal in pole position to sign Merino Merino has been with Sociedad for the last six years where he has made close to 250 appearances.

The Euro 2024 winner has the ability to play in the defensive and central midfield positions, but he has predominantly operated from the number eight role for the Basque outfit.

The 28-year-old was impressive last season with eight goals and five assists from 45 appearances.

Merino was also exceptional defensively with a stunning 10.2 duels won per La Liga appeaances. He also won 2.4 tackles on average with 1.7 clearances and 6.4 ball recoveries.

The midfielder has a demerit with his passing accuracy of 77 percent, but tends to make up for it with his strong defensive attributes and his forward mindedness with the ball.

It appears a no-brainer to sign him for a relatively low price of PS20m. Merino may not be an assured starter, but he could provide solid competition for places next term.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com