Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Nico Williams move, Mikel Merino latest, Aaron Ramsdale talks

There has been a lot of talk of the possible comings and goings at Arsenal as we now enter the final week of the 2024 summer transfer window. It seems that there will be at least one new face before the deadline.

A £34 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is moving closer with the final details of his transfer set to be completed. He has been a priority target for Mikel Arteta this summer with Arsenal seemingly getting their man.

Arsenal continue to be linked with players, which is likely to be the case right up until Friday’s deadline. Ademola Lookman is one of the latest, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Gunners were ready to offer a swap deal including Jakub Kiwior, it does however look like the former Everton man is heading to Paris Saint Germain.

Eyes will also be on the exit door in the final days. Kiwior is one who could leave before the end of the window, while Eddie Nketiah looks to be closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal are back in action this afternoon as they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park (5.30pm kick-off). The team selection could give some clues as to who may leave before the end of the window.

Nico Williams move

Nico Williams has emerged as a preferred target for Arsenal in the final days of the window, according to the Independent.

The report says that Arteta is keen to add to the options in his forward line in the final days of the window, with Williams a target. Arsenal are said to be ‘currently considering’ a move for the winger, who has a £48 million release clause in his contract.

However, the report adds that there is a feeling that the player would prefer to stay in Spain. It is said that it is thought that Williams is keen to stay at Athletic Bilbao beyond the summer with a longer term aim to join Barcelona.

Ramsdale transfer latest

Aaron Ramsdale is expected to depart Arsenal this summer, either on a loan deal or permanent basis.

Sky Sports are reporting Southampton and Wolves are in talks to sign the goalkeeper with certain assurances, such as the Saints staying up, are also being discussed.

Ramsdale is also on Bournemouth’s list of targets, though Kepa Arrizabalaga seems to be their current focus.

The options for Arsenal amid attacking transfer wish

Though the transfer of Mikel Merino has been agreed, Arsenal appear far from done in the summer transfer window. Negotiations with Real Sociedad for the Spanish midfielder have taken up the last few weeks, however Edu has finally been able to reach an agreement in the region of £30million.

Departures now appear the priority for the Gunners with Eddie Nketiah edging closer to joining Nottingham Forest. Aaron Ramsdale and Reiss Nelson have also been linked to exits, though it is Fabio Vieira that will be the next player to depart.

According to the Athletic, Porto have agreed to re-sign him on loan ahead of Merino’s imminent arrival with Arteta also keen to utilise Ethan Nwaneri. In the final days of the window, Arsenal are keen to add a versatile forward to their ranks with another goalkeeper expected to join if Ramsdale departs.

With Vieira sometimes covering for Bukayo Saka, it is clear Arsenal need another option out wide.