Arsenal have changed their plans and opted against signing a new striker in the current transfer window, according to a report.
Heading into the summer, the Gunners were expected to strengthen their attacking options, either by signing a new starting centre-forward or adding depth to their wing positions.
They were linked with moves for Brentford attacker Ivan Toney and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres but were unwilling to meet either player's asking price.
So far, the club have only strengthened their defensive areas, making David Raya's move from the the Gtech Community Stadium permanent after his season-long loan and signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Mikel Arteta's side got their new league campaign off to a winning start, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
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Arteta happy with current striking options
The Gunners' first goal of the 2024-25 Premier League season was scored by Kai Havertz, who was deployed in the number-nine role for the club against Wolves.
Gabriel Jesus was sent on for the final five minutes of the match for Declan Rice while Eddie Nketiah was an unused substitute in the victory.
Nketiah is said to be looking for a move away from the Emirates before the transfer deadline and has been on the radar of Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille.
As per Football Insider, even if Nketiah departs North London in the next two weeks, Arsenal are not planning to to sign another number nine this summer.
The report adds that Arteta believes he has sufficient cover and quality in attack for the season to challenge and potentially win the Premier League after two second-placed finishes.
It is understood that Havertz's evolution since the start of the year has bolstered Arteta's confidence in his attacking options, with Jesus and Leandro Trossard also capable of playing centrally and leading the line if needed.
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Arsenal closing in on midfield transfer target
While Arsenal have now reportedly opted to abandon their pursuit of a new striker, they are believed to be closing in on signing a central midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Widespread reports have claimed that Edu is currently in Spain working on a deal for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for a fee of around £28m.
Fabrizio Romano added to the speculation by revealing that the clubs are on the verge of agreeing a deal for the midfielder, with the Gunners expected to announce his signing in the next 24-48 hours.
Merino was a standout performer for La Real last season, featuring in 32 La Liga matches, scoring five goals and providing three assists in that time.
The 28-year-old also played a crucial role in Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad at Euro 2024 and scored the winner to knock host nation Germany out of the competition in the quarter-final.
Devesh Jaganath
