Arsenal given transfer green light on two Mikel Merino alternatives as dream option available

Arsenal may have to look at alternate options for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international but are yet to reach an agreement to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium.

Recent weeks have seen doubts emerge about whether or not Arsenal will be able to sign Merino before the window closes later this month.

So far, four new signings have made the move to North London, with Riccardo Calafiori, Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard joining David Raya in completing permanent moves to Arsenal this summer.

It remains to be seen if Merino will join that group of players, with the Gunners having until August 30 to complete their transfer business.

Amid the uncertainty over Arsenal's potential move for Merino, two alternative options may be available. It seems that Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan's future is up in the air as the deadline moves closer.

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According to The Athletic, Gundogan is weighing up his future at the Camp Nou amid the real possibility he could leave the Spanish giants. Unnamed Premier League clubs as well as teams from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are reportedly interested in signing the former Manchester City star.

Another midfielder who could be available this summer is Leon Goretzka. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich have told the 29-year-old that he is surplus to requirements in midfield at the Bundesliga club.

Goretzka is reportedly still keen to remain at Bayern, with the player and the club set to hold talks over finding a solution. It remains to be seen if the player will be put on the transfer list by Bayern before the window closes.

Should Arsenal fail to sign Merino before the deadline, then the Gunners may have two options to turn to as alternatives. Mikel Arteta will be fully aware of Gundogan's abilities from his time at Man City, while Goretzka has won five Bundesliga titles as well as one Champions League during his time with Bayern.