Arsenal look to repeat Merino trick with transfer for underrated La Liga star

Arsenal could once again return with a raid on La Liga this summer, with Mikel Arteta reportedly targeting one of the league’s productive stars.

The Gunners are already making plans for the summer transfer window after the arrival of Andrea Berta earlier this month and the club’s new sporting director is believed to be leading the pursuit of a number of players from his native Spain.

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Arsenal are believed to have agreed terms with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi after signing his midfield partner Mikel Merino last summer in a €32 million move which Arteta’s side have been reaping the rewards of in recent weeks.

Arteta’s injury crisis up front has led to Merino being used as a makeshift striker and the Spaniard has responded with six goals in his last ten games, including a crucial strike against Real Madrid this week.

The signing of Merino now appears to be a bargain and the Gunners could look to repeat their approach of targeting La Liga’s underrated stars with a move for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, according to Fichajes.

Despite Valencia having a poor season in La Liga, Guerra has been a rare bright spark and the 21-year-old has reportedly attracted Arsenal’s attention as a ‘promising’ two-way midfielder.

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Although Arsenal could end up spending €60m on Zubimendi, Arteta may see veterans Jorginho and Thomas Partey depart, leaving space for another midfielder to be signed.

Guerra has built a reputation as one of the best young stars in Spain, with his physicality in defense also complimented by his technique and passing in attack.

The youngster has two years remaining on his contract and Valencia’s continued financial struggles could see Arsenal sign Guerra for closer to his €24.2m ETV compared to his €100m release clause.

With SciSports data believing the midfielder to already be at a higher level than Merino and potentially better than Jorginho and Partey, Guerra could represent the latest bargain Arsenal pluck from La Liga to revolutionise their title ambitions.