GOOD NEWS : World-class’ player has just snubbed Atletico Madrid move as he wants to join Arsenal

Arsenal have now jetted off for their pre-season trip to the United States but still await their first summer signing.

However, there may now be a lot more confidence surrounding their summer business as they close in on one of their top targets.

Riccardo Calafiori agreed to sign for Arsenal two weeks ago and finally a deal is being closed in on.

The final steps are now being put in place for Calafiori to sign for Arsenal as the Gunners look to open their account for the summer.

And it could be a case of London buses for Mikel Arteta with one of their other summer targets now keen to make the move to the Emirates.

Arsenal may have taken their time in the market this summer, but they now look as if they could be on a roll.

Midfielder has now decided Arsenal is the club for him

A big summer awaits the Gunners with Arteta finally looking to get his side over the line in dethroning Manchester City.

Arsenal have gone mightily close to becoming champions over the last two seasons but have seen their efforts fall just short.

But there has to be a feeling that with the right recruitment, this could be the year that Arsenal could assert their dominance at the top of the league.

And they could already be seeing some of their summer targets buy into the project in north London.

According to Diario Vasco, Mikel Merino has now decided that Arsenal’s proposal is the one which is most attractive.

His decision is based on both the financial and sporting side of the proposal with a big European club being knocked back in the process.

Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest in the Spain international this summer but he has shunned them in favour of the Gunners.

However, it is also said that should a move to Arsenal fail to materialise, Merino would then see out his contract at Real Sociedad and move on a free next summer.

Atletico Madrid won’t back down in Mikel Merino race

Despite the report claiming a move to the capital is not the preferred option from the ‘world-class‘ midfielder. Atleti will not back down this summer.

It is said Diego Simeone is seen as a potentially deciding factor when it comes to the decision the Euro 2024 will soon have to make.

Atletico are claimed to be able to offer Merino a ‘very important’ role in their squad for the upcoming campaign, something which may not necessarily be the case at Arsenal.

The Gunners have established a strong midfielder over recent years and a guaranteed spot in the starting XI may not be on offer in north London.