Arsenal have reportedly decided to prioritise their move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino over their quest to sign a new striker.

The Gunners have made a couple of additions to their squad this summer, including the permanent arrival of David Raya following last season's loan spell.

Arsenal followed Raya's signing with the £42m addition of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A side Bologna.

Having strengthened in the defensive third, Arsenal is now looking to bolster their Mikel Arteta's options in midfield and attack.

Arsenal prioritising Merino move

The Gunners are keen to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Merino, but they are still yet to reach a final agreement over a permanent transfer.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are prioritising their pursuit of Merino over their bid to sign a new centre-forward.

The report suggests that Arsenal are currently assessing potential forward targets and could wait until the latter stages of the window to recruit a new striker.

With Eddie Nketiah seemingly deemed surplus to requirements, Arteta is looking for a new number nine to compete with the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Are Arsenal close to signing Merino?

Arsenal will be keen to make swift progress in their bid to sign Merino so they can then turn their focus to bolstering their attacking options.

However, The Independent are reporting that Arsenal and Real Sociedad still have some work to do to reach an agreement over the structure of the deal.

Real Sociedad are believed to be holding out for €35m (£29.9m) and want a considerable amount of the transfer fee upfront.

As for Arsenal, they are hoping to strike a deal in the region of €25m (£21.3m) and would rather spread the amount over three years.

Merino, who has entered the final year of his deal, is believed to be keen on the move which would see him return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Newcastle United in 2018. body check tags ::