Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Nketiah deal ‘breaks down’, Eberechi Eze talks, Mikel Merino medical

It was a successful afternoon for Mikel Arteta and his men yesterday afternoon as they stormed to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park to exact their revenge on former manager Unai Emery.

Goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey were enough to keep the Gunners’ perfect Premier League season going as they landed their second win but there continues to be 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 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 transfer priority clear

It had seemed as though we were in for a relatively predictable final week of the window for Arsenal. Mikel Merino’s arrival is a matter of time, while Eddie Nketiah would be heading to Nottingham Forest. There were a few questions on Aaron Ramsdale’s future and the need for a back up if he does leave, while an extra forward would be a cherry on the cake if it could be secured.

On Thursday though, that all changed…

“In the training session, just at the end (Gabriel Jesus) felt something in his groin,” Arteta confirmed. “We’ll need to assess him. We need to have an MRI scan to see, but he wasn’t available for the game.

“Probably tomorrow or Monday we’ll have the results to see if it’s a matter of days or weeks. We don’t know.”

The injury has the potential to flip Arsenal’s transfer strategy on its head. If Nketiah does leave then Arsenal’s attacking options suddenly look very slim without Jesus. Kai Havertz has been superb up front, while Leandro Trossard can play there, but if this win at Villa taught us anything it’s that the ability to change games from the bench is vital.

Major Mikel Merino transfer update

Arsenal have been given the latest major update in their attempt to finally tie Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino down to a contract as the Gunners try to bolster their ranks before Friday’s transfer window deadline.

The 28-year-old is set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a deal that will cost Mikel Arteta’s side around £31.5m, including add-ons, with Merino ready to pen a four-year deal with a one-year extension clause written in. It’s believed he first caught the attention of Arsenal after his impressive Euro 2024 tournament with winners Spain, as he played in every game for La Roja on their way to a record fourth European Championship title.

However, despite all the reports surrounding his obvious and imminent arrival at Arsenal, Arteta is adamant to not speak about his compatriot’s arrival, claiming last week: “No [update]. I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us. There’s still time in the market. Both ways. For all the managers, for all the teams here. You can see it’s getting very busy.

“I don’t know soon. The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that’s all.”

Arsenal’s ideal late signing

Arsenal are casting their net wide in their hunt for new attacking talent before the transfer deadline.

The Gunners have secured a deal to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an initial £28.4million, with an additional £4.2m in add-ons. Now, one of Mikel Arteta’s priorities is to secure a wide player, with several players being considered.

Nico Williams, another star of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. He perfectly fits the profile of player Arteta is looking for, but reports suggest the youngster would prefer to stay with Athletic Club for at least another season, potentially eyeing a future move to Barcelona.

Despite Williams’ apparent preference to stay in Spain, Arsenal, who are willing to meet his £48million release clause, could make one last-ditch attempt to tempt the 22-year-old to sign. However, he’s not the only wide player on their extensive target list.

Palace ‘considering’ Nketiah move

With a move to Nottingham Forest reportedly falling through, it is now being reported that Crystal Palace are considering a move for Nketiah.

Palace previously showed an interest in the Arsenal striker and could now revive their interest and secure a transfer before Friday’s deadline.

The Eagles will also have plenty of PSR wiggle room having sold Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen and with Marc Guehi potentially on the way out as well.

Nketiah move ‘breaks down’

Eddie Nketiah’s proposed move to Nottingham Forest has reportedly broken down.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that a £30m deal was in place for the striker but that has now fallen through. He adds that a transfer is still expected to materialise elsewhere though.

Whilst the 25-year-old has been a good servant for the club, it’s clear that his future now lies elsewhere as Arteta looks to improve his squad further. With Arsenal’s one in and one out policy, the Gunners may not be able to strengthen without Nketiah’s sale.