Arsenal Eyeing Three Quick Deals as Merino Transfer Stalls

Arsenal is gearing up for additional transfer activities before the summer window closes.

The club’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is still ongoing, with the deal stalling despite agreeing to terms with the 28-year-old.

Arsenal fans might need to prepare for more player departures before Merino’s transfer is finalized.

The Spanish midfielder, who has a £52 million release clause in his contract, could be signed for a lower fee since he’s in the final year of his contract.

Arsenal Transfer and New Signings

This summer, Arsenal has already secured Riccardo Calafiori and made David Raya’s loan move from Brentford permanent.

Merino caught the club’s attention with his performances in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, including a crucial 119th-minute header against Germany in the quarter-finals and featuring in the final against England.

However, with over £200 million spent last season, Arsenal needs to sell players to comply with profit and sustainability regulations.

Emilie Smith-Rowe has left for Fulham in a £34 million deal, and Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Aaron Ramsdale are all seeking moves to secure first-team football ahead of the new season.

Seeking First-Team Football

Ramsdale, 26, has been linked with a transfer since losing his starting spot to Raya last season.

His potential move was delayed due to his involvement with England in Euro 2024, where he did not play.

In his absence, Estonian Karl Hein stepped in as keeper during the pre-season US tour.

Hein, 22, with only one League Cup appearance for Arsenal, might become the club’s second-choice goalkeeper if Ramsdale is sold.

Nketiah, 25, struggled for regular playing time last season despite scoring his first Premier League hat-trick against Sheffield United.

He traveled to the US for pre-season but didn’t impress against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Nelson, 24, mainly played a bit part role last season, with only one Premier League start.

Previously loaned to Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, Nelson is now seeking a permanent transfer.

Arsenal aims to finalize quick deals for these three players, with Mikel Arteta keen to complete his transfer business before the club’s title challenge begins.

Arsenal’s Premier League campaign starts on August 17 with a home game against Wolves, and they have two pre-season matches left against Bayern Leverkusen and Lyon.