Arsenal transfer news LIVE Mikel Merino latest, Alexander Isak concerns, Charlie Patino update
The Gunners are currently preparing for their next Premier League match of the season as they take on Aston Villa away from home this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side go into the fixture on the back of an opening day win over Wolves and will look to maintain their 100 percent start to their season with victory at Villa Park.
In terms of transfers, Arsenal are continuing with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with suggestions that a £34million deal could be moving closer.
The Gunners are also been linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, although the Magpies are unlikely to be willing to allow the Sweden international to leave the club this summer.
There is also the possibility of players leaving the Emirates Stadium before the August 30 deadline. Striker Eddie Nketiah and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale are reportedly moving closer to exits if the latest reports are to be believed.
Eddie Nketiah plan outlined
Arsenal have no plans to replace Eddie Nketiah in the final days of the transfer window, according to TalkSPORT.
The striker is closing in on a £30 million move to Nottingham Forest, with both clubs ‘confident’ of an agreement being reached.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for several strikers since the start of the summer, but it seems that the plans are not to strengthen the area before the end of the window.
Victor Osimhen links reignite
Arsenal are back in the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
The report says that the Gunners have been sitting back and watching the situation regarding Osimhen, while concentrating on a deal for Vikto Gyokeres of Sporting.
Napoli’s asking price for the striker is said to have dripped from his €130 million (£110.7m) release clause to around €100 million (£85.2m).
Mikel Merino transfer timeline
Arsenal could reach an agreement for Mikel Merino ‘between today and tomorrow’, according to reports in Spain.
Estadio Deportivo confirm reports earlier in the day that the midfielder missed training as negotiations over his future continue. The reports suggests that a deal is now very close and ‘everything points’ to the player making a move to the Emirates Stadium sooner rather than later.
Merino to Arsenal takes huge step forward
Arsenal look to have been handed the final green light to agree a deal with Real Sociedad for the transfer of Mikel Merino. Talks between the two parties have stepped up in recent days with the Spanish club’s president Jokin Aperribay said to have flown into London to wrap up the deal.
With a significant amount ongoing in the background, football.london understands Merino has been training away from the Sociedad squad. Though a full agreement is yet to be reached, those two updates suggest it is getting much closer with his current club wanting €35million plus €5million in add-ons (£29.9million plus £4.3million) to sanction the move.
Alongside Merino, Arsenal are in talks with both Wolves and Nottingham Forest regarding Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah, respectively. A loan move for Ramsdale is being explored by those at Molineux, though the Gunners would prefer a permanent departure.
If Ramsdale does instead depart permanently, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is expected to arrive as his replacement with the goalkeeper waiting for Arsenal. As for Nketiah, Forest have already seen a £25million bid rejected, however talks have since continued.
New Arteta contract
Sky Sports News are reporting that Mikel Arteta is set to sign a new contract at Arsenal.
The Spaniard has been in charge at the Emirates Stadium since 2019 with Arsenal winning the 2020 FA Cup during his time in charge.
The Gunners have also been involved in consecutive title raes for Manchester City, finishing just two points behind Pep Guardiola’s team last season.
Will this be the season Arsenal go way one better and lift a first league title since 2004?
