Arsenal 'decide' on transfer priority after Riccardo Calafiori as three targets earmarked

Arsenal are already said to have decided on their next transfer priority as they close in on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners are working to continue strengthening this summer as they look to go one better in their bid to land a Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s men have come up just short in the last two seasons, and with the title so close, the club know they need to seize the moment to get the job done. That means spending money, and while Profit and Sustainability rules make it difficult, the Gunners have a number of fringe stars to sell to balance the books.

Emile Smith Rowe looks set to move on for a deal worth around £35million, with Fulham reportedly closing in, while deals are being sought for Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior and Aaron Ramsdale.

As for incomings, Riccardo Calafiori is set to snapped up from Bologna, with a £42million deal agreed and a medical set to take place this week. After that, the Evening Standard say the Gunners will concentrate their efforts on landing a new midfielder.

Mikel Merino

Merino seems to be Arsenal’s main target, with he Real Sociedad star in the final year of his contract. La Real will, no doubt, be willing to hand Merino a new deal, but the Euro 2024 winner may well want a crack at the very top level as he enters his prime at 28 years of age.

Barcelona have been linked, but reports in Spain suggest the Catalan giants will instead prioritise other targets, handing Arsenal the opportunity they need to get a deal done. It’s reported a deal could be struck for between £20million and £25million, making this the perfect deal if Arsenal can get it done.

Ezequiel Fernandez

Arsenal have also been linked with Argentina Olympics star Ezequiel Fernandez, who currently plays for Boca Juniors. The 22-year-old is under a long-term contract and will likely cost between £15million and £20million, and there have been reports of Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah making a £13.2million bid.

The latest reports have suggested that the Gunners have been in contact with Fernandez’s representatives, but it remains unclear which midfielder Arsenal are pressing ahead with as things stand.

Fabian Ruiz

Spain Euro 2024 star Fabian Ruiz has also been linked, but he will be seen as the least likely option. The 28-year-old is under contract until 2027 at Paris Saint-Germain, and the French giants will want to profit on their £18million investment should they cash in.

Ruiz has said of his future: “I know that my name comes up in every transfer window. But I am good in Paris. I still have three years left on my contract and I still have lots of objectives to reach with PSG.”

Ruiz was superb at Euro 2024 for Spain and it’s likely he will attract interest but it will come down to whether PSG are willing to sell just two years after signing the former Napoli man.