Arsenal transfer news: Gunners launch next bid after Riccardo Calafiori deal 'confirmed' - The Mirror

Arsenal are nearing the announcement of Riccardo Calafiori's transfer as the Gunners continue their pre-season tour of the United States while conducting business in and out of the club

Arsenal's transfer window appears to be kicking into gear with just three weeks until the start of the season.

The Gunners will take on Manchester United in Calafornia's SoFi stadium with plenty of business in the offing. A transfer for Riccardo Calafiori is all but complete after the north London side agreed a deal in principle with Bologna and the Italian defender

Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe has already sat out of Arsenal's side that faced Bournemouth earlier in the week. A move to Fulham is on the cards for the 23-year-old.

Mikel Arteta and director Edu appear to still be plotting an incoming move too with the likes of Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz tipped for a move to the Emirates. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the lastest transfer news below.

Calafiori deal 'confirmed'

While Calafiori's deal has yet to be announced as the 22-year-old looks to complete his Arsenal medical, his current side, Bologna, are looking to move on with their summer.

Club director Claudio Fenucci is already looking to recruit his replacement as if the deal is done, and has discussed the Italy international's exit.

“Calafiori’s exit forces us to look for a new centre-back,” Fenucci said, per Sky Sport Italia. "Then we’ll wait for the end of the transfer window to see what we need. We’ll play more than 26 games from August to January and must keep an eye on the UEFA list.”

The Serie A side are set to chase Mats Hummels. Many have been left anxious by the German defender's pause in making a decision put Fenucci does not appear worried.

“It’s normal, we talked to him not long time ago," he said. "It is fair that he thinks about it so he can come here with the right motivation."

Contact made with Mikel Merino

Arsenal have been linked with no shortage of players but Spain star Mikel Merino appears to be a genuine option. The Real Sociedad midfielder is in the final year of his contract and could be available for a fee in the region of £25millon.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle star is said to have already been in contact with Arsenal over a move. The Gunners have not yet made a formal approach but are set to in the cooming days according to Fabrizio Romano.

"Arsenal have still not presented any official bid for Mikel Merino as their focus was on sealing Calafiori deal," he said. "Formal contacts for new midfielder will start in the next days with Merino in the list, approaches took place on player side."

Spanner in the works

Arsenal may yet have to make quite the impression on Merino, with reports in Spain suggesting that Atletico Madrid have made an offer for the 28-year-old.

Journalist Belen Sanchez Garcia notes that Diego Simeone's side have submitted a bid to Real Sociedad and have spoken with the player. They do not want to make a cocrete proposal to the Euro 2024-winner until there is an agreement between clubs however.

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