Reports from Spain suggest Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has targeted Oihan Sancet as a key signing for next summer. According to Fichajes, Arsenal are preparing a £70million bid to bring Sancet to the club in 2026. It is claimed that Berta is eyeing Sancet as a replacement for Mikel Merino, who has 'not been entirely convincing'. The report adds that Merino's departure could 'open the door for a restructuring in midfield', and if he leaves, Arsenal are ready to make an 'additional effort' to bring in Sancet. The player signed a new, long-term contract with Athletic Bilbao in 2023 which runs until 2032, putting them in a strong negotiating position. With Bilbao under no pressure to sell and aiming to qualify for the Champions League again, it is also stated that it could take higher than £70m to sign him.

According to Fijaches, Arsenal are willing to pay €80 million for Oihan Sancet. Mikel Arteta was convinced to target Sancet as his next signing in North London after a Champions League match against Athletic Club, and the coach believes Sancet could be the missing piece to perfect Arsenal's midfield. Sancet has an Estimated Transfer Value of €57 million.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly interested in making a surprising move for Oihan Sancet from Athletic Bilbao, considering him a top priority. It is said that Sancet is Arteta's midfield target as an alternative to Martin Odegaard. Arsenal recognizes the potential challenges in securing the deal due to Sancet's strong connection to Bilbao and the Basque club's typical reluctance to negotiate below buyout clauses, with his value reportedly nearing €80m. However, there is optimism that Sancet might be enticed by the prospect of advancing his career at a competitive Premier League club. Sancet has demonstrated impressive form, netting 15 goals from just 17 starts in La Liga this season, highlighting his unique profile as a physical and intelligent midfielder with a knack for scoring. Having joined Athletic's academy at 15, he made his senior debut in 2019 and had a breakthrough season in 2022-23. Arsenal's new executive Andrea Berta is also involved in the transfer discussions, underscoring the significance of this potential acquisition for the team.