'Quite strange': David Ornstein shares what Arsenal want to do next after signing Mikel Merino

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.

The Gunners have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window. They turned David Raya’s loan into a permanent deal early in July and then signed Riccardo Calafiori a few weeks later.

A new forward that many Arsenal fans are dreaming of has not arrived, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still happen before the window shuts.

On the Transfers Podcast, David Ornstein has shared Mikel Arteta and Edu’s plans at Arsenal after the Merino deal is done.

David Ornstein says Arsenal want to sign a new winger after Mikel Merino

Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Merino after lengthy negotiations with Real Sociedad.

The two clubs had been locked in talks for several weeks, and many fans were getting annoyed that it was taking so long to complete.

However, the deal looks like it’s finally done, and Merino is expected to fly to Arsenal to complete his medical very soon.

Arsenal’s focus now in the final week of the transfer window has turned towards signing a new backup winger, claims Ornstein.

The journalist has revealed that the Gunners are looking for a wide player who is ready to play a second-choice role but can still have an impact whenever he’s called up.

He said: “Arsenal are in this quite strange position with their wide players in that they are looking for a backup who will be happy being a backup yet will still contribute to the effect that would help them win trophies and compete for major honours.

“That’s almost like your Harry Kane dilemma at Tottenham – who comes in to be understudy to the main man?”

READ MORE: David Ornstein says Arsenal wanted to sign £54m Chelsea winger and even ‘made offers’

There’s one amazing right-winger Arsenal should sign as Bukayo Saka’s backup

Arsenal are in a good place on the left wing with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard available for selection. Reiss Nelson is also an option if he stays at the club.

All of those players can play on the opposite flank too, but none of them are left-footed and offer what Bukayo Saka does.

That’s why Arsenal need to sign a new left-footed right-winger in the final week of the transfer window, and we think they should make a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko.

The 21-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in the 2023/24 season, and he has already bagged two goals in two Eredivisie games this term.

We think Bakayoko would be amazing for Arsenal, but whether he would be prepared to accept a backup role behind Saka is anyone’s guess.