Arsenal are 'plotting a move for Euro 2024 winner' as Mikel Arteta aims to add experience

Arsenal are plotting a move for a Spanish Euro 2024 winner who played a crucial role in his country's triumph in the competition.

The club’s interest in the Spaniard reportedly pre-dated the beginning of the tournament in Germany and his reputation has been enhanced by his performances over the past weeks.

The midfielder featured in all seven of Spain’s matches at Euro 2024, mostly from the bench, and struck a dramatic late winner at one point during the quarter-finals.

It comes after the Gunners reportedly agreed personal terms with Slovenian star Benjamin Sesko .

The Euro 2024 winner in question, however, is Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, the Telegraph reports.

Merino has been a steady figure for Sociedad in his last six seasons there and is a former team-mate of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

His presence would provide an extra defensive midfielder option, but Arteta will likely face stiff competition for his signature.

Spanish reports suggest Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in the player, who is likely to cost £20million.

It comes after it was revealed last week that Arsenal are expected to discuss a fee with Bologna this week for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori .

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in defensive reinforcements after finishing runners-up behind Manchester City for the second consecutive Premier League season.

The Italy centre-back impressed during their tepid Euro 2024 campaign - playing the entirety of every group game - after a breakthrough season with Bologna that saw the club qualify for the Champions League.

Calafiori was a huge miss in Italy's last-16 knockout defeat against Switzerland after being suspended for picking up too many yellow cards across the group stages and is now keen to sort his club future.

Arsenal have identified Calafiori as one of their top defensive candidates and are now attempting to push through a deal before their pre-season tour of the USA begins.

The Italy centre-back impressed during their tepid Euro 2024 campaign - playing the entirety of every group game - after a breakthrough season with Bologna that saw the club qualify for the Champions League.

Calafiori was a huge miss in Italy's last-16 knockout defeat against Switzerland after being suspended for picking up too many yellow cards across the group stages and is now keen to sort his club future.

Arsenal have identified Calafiori as one of their top defensive candidates and are now attempting to push through a deal before their pre-season tour of the USA begins.