Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Shock Darwin Nunez rumour, Gunners ANNOUNCE Mikel Merino, Palace close in on £30m Nketiah
MIKEL MERINO has been ANNOUNCED as an Arsenal player - and now the Gunners are looking to add a striker before deadline day.
Sensational reports on Wednesday morning claim that Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is one target for the No 9 position, given that the Gunners were interested before he moved to Anfield in 2022.
Elsewhere, Eddie Nketiah's proposed £30million move to Nottingham Forest has broken down, but Crystal Palace are now said to have entered the race for the striker and a deal is close.
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Kiwior stays
Jakub Kiwior is set to stay at Arsenal for the 2024/25 season.
A host of European clubs had enquired about his availability this summer, including Villarreal, Bologna and Fiorentina.
However, despite some clubs even submitting bids, Foot Mercato report he will remain with the Gunners.
The Polish defender is set to compete with Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, the report adds.
Arsenal's next five
Merino debut this weekend?
Arsenal face Brighton on Saturday lunchtime giving Mikel Merino plenty of time to get to know his new team-mates.
However, the Spanish international, 28, didn't play in either of Real Sociedad's games to start the season and it is unclear if he will be match fit.
Similarly, Arsenal have won both of their opening games and Mikel Arteta may not want to change the side too much.
After his signing became official, Arteta said:
Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.
As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament.
We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.
Arteta on Merino
Credit: Getty
Nunez possible?
One shock solution to the striker crisis has emerged this morning with the Gunners being linked with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan, 25, had been a target for the Gunners before he moved to Liverpool in 2022 and reports claim they could be taking another look now.
Nunez has become a divisive figure at Anfield, credited for his incredible work rate and team play but also derided for missing a huge amount of chances.
He was the Reds' record signing and has scored 33 goals in all competitions in two seasons - but has missed 47 'big chances' in his two seasons (only Erling Haaland has more, but has also scored 43 more Prem goals) and hit the woodwork an incredible 14 times, four more than any other player.
Striker move?
With Gabriel Jesus injured and Eddie Nketiah on the brink of moving to Crystal Palace, Arsenal could enter the weekend with a lack of forward options.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have all played centrally under Mikel Artera, but the feeling is the Gunners will bring in another forward by the deadline.
Nico Williams, who prefers to play on the wing, is one such option but Arsenal may also want an outright No 9.
Credit: Getty Yesterday's headlines
There was plenty of news coming out of the Emirates yesterday, here’s a look at some of the biggest headlines from Tuesday’s business…
- Arsenal announced the £32m arrival of Mikel Merino
- Aaron Ramsdale's proposed Wolves loan falls through
- Eddie Nketiah agrees deal to sign for Crystal Palace
- Gunners ready for a late push to sign attacker before window shuts on Friday
Coman an option?
Kingsley Coman could be on his way out of Bayern Munich.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Coman has been the subject of a huge bid from Saudi club Al Hilal.
While it's also claimed that top Premier League clubs and Barcelona are interested in the Frenchman.
Coman, 28, is understood to have not yet made a decision on if he would even like to leave Bavaria.
Reports elsewhere have suggested that Arsenal may be one of the Prem clubs with a keen eye on Coman.
Credit: Getty Gunners in for Calvert-Lewin
As Arsenal up the ante in their search for attacking reinforcements before the end of the window, one outlet has thrown up a shock name.
According to Caught Offside, the Gunners are amongst a number of clubs showing interest in Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
They claim that Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are all monitoring the striker's situation as a possible cut-price option before Friday's deadline.
Ajax interested in Ramsdale
Arsenal could still see Ramsdale leave the club this summer, despite his Wolves move falling through.
Southampton are one club who have been rumoured to still be interested, while a European giant could also swoop.
According to Sky Sports, Ajax remain keen on the England shot-stopper.
Arsenal’s confirmed transfers
After the Gunners announced the arrival of Mikel Merino earlier today, here's a look at all their transfer business this summer...
IN
- Riccardo Calafiori – from Bologna
- David Raya – from Brentford
- Mikel Merino - from Real Sociedad
OUT
- Emile Smith Rowe – to Fulham
- Fabio Vieira - to FC Porto (loan)
- Albert Sambi Lokinga – to Sevilla (loan)
- Nuno Tavares – to Marseille (loan)
- Karl Hein – to Real Valladolid (loan)
- Mohamed Elneny – free agent (joined Al-Jazira)
- Arthur Okonkwo – free agent (joined Wrexham)
- Cedrid Soares – free agent
Credit: Getty Fulham consider Nelson
Fulham are considering a move for a second Arsenal star of the summer, according to TEAMtalk.
They claim that the cottagers are thinking about trying to sign Reiss Nelson.
It's said that Arsenal would be looking for £20m including add-ons for the out-of-favour winger.
Fulham already splashed £34m to snatch Emile Smith Rowe away from the Emirates this summer.
Merino and Odegaard reunited
Mikel Merino has said he is looking forward to play alongside Martin Odegaard again, having partnered the Norwegian playmaker in midfield for Real Sociedad in 2019/20,
Merino said: "We [Merino and Odegaard] exchanged some messages a few days ago. He told me he was really happy for me to take this next step in my life.
"It was amazing sharing the pitch with him back in the day. I have a lot of good memories of our connection and hopefully we can have an even better connection here.
“I remember a pretty good play we made against Osasuna away, where we had a one-two and it finished in a goal for us.
"But just in general, in every training, in every game I think we had a good connection.
"He’s a player who moves extremely well behind the back of the midfielders, and for us who play in a similar position, he made the job really easy for me.”
Credit: AP:Associated Press Arsenal's next five
The transfer window slams shut on Friday, meaning teams are scrambling to strengthen their squads for the last time until 2025.
With the additions of Merino and Calafiori, Arsenal will be hoping they've sufficiently strengthened ahead of a tricky run of games ahead.
Here's who the Gunners have got on the horizon...
Champions League draw simulated
This week's eagerly-anticipated Champions League draw has been simulated - and the results make for bad reading for Arsenal fans.
The 2024/25 instalment of Europe's elite club competition will be the inaugural outing of the tournament's new format.
The 36 teams will compete in a SINGLE league format in which they'll play eight fixtures.
In the new setup, each team will play four matches at home and four games away.
Here's how a simulation of the draw saw Arsenal coming out...
Arsenal's GK situation
With Aaron Ramsdale's proposed move to Wolves now scuppered, Arsenal are left in a complicated situation.
Reports claim that the Gunners have already agreed personal terms with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia to replace Ramsdale.
However, that deal is only like to take place if Ramsdale leaves before this Friday's transfer deadline.
Arsenal are holding out for a loan move with an obligation to let Ramsdale go.
It's claimed that Southampton are one club who are still keeping an eye on the England shot-stopper.
Credit: Reuters
Ramsdale exit collapses
Wolves have pulled out of the race to sign Arsenal's wantaway goalie Aaron Ramsdale.
Gary O'Neil was keen to sign the 26-year-old keeper, but the Gunners were not interested in a loan deal and insisted on an obligation to buy.
Wolves decided the £20million package, coupled with Ramsdale's personal demands, were too rich for them and are now expected to keep faith with first choice Jose Sa.
Ramsdale is keen to gain more game time after losing his spot at the Emirates to David Raya.
Edu on Merino
Arsenal sporting director Edu has also spoken about the acquisition of Mikel Merino.
The Brazilian said: "We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino.
"This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalise the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.
“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season.
"With Mikel’s arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead.
“We welcome Mikel and his family to the club, and look forward to seeing him play in the Arsenal shirt.”
Credit: Getty Arsenal not open to Kiwior transfer
Arsenal are "not open" to selling Jakub Kiwior this summer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The transfer expert claims that Italian club Bologna have expressed an interest in signing Kiwior from the Emirates outfit in recent days.
But adds that Kiwior "will remain" at Arsenal with the Gunners unwilling to let him leave.
It's claimed that Bologna are not the only club to have shown interest in the versatile Polish defender.
Arteta on Merino
Mikel Arteta has gushed about Mikel Merino after the Gunners announced the £32m signing of the Spainish midfielder today.
Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility. He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now.
Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.
As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament.
We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.
Mikel ArtetaMerino deal done
Arsenal have completed the £32m capture of Mikel Merino.
The 28-year-old midfielder has signed from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Ramsdale update
Arsenal hope to sign at least one goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
They would like a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, ideally Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, as well as an experienced homegrown goalkeeper to be third choice.
Arsenal and Wolves remain in talks over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
It is expected that the England keeper will cost around £20m, which could include a loan first due to Wolves’ financial struggles.
Arsenal dash for forward
Boss Mikel Arteta has already admitted the club is a “bit short” in attacking areas, especially with Gabriel Jesus needing an MRI scan on an injured groin that saw him miss the 2-0 win away at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Links to Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams have been reported but a move for him is unlikely given the finances of the deal – especially in terms of wages.
Arsenal are looking at numerous options having also received £27m up front from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe already this window.
With Merino confirmed, Arsenal's total summer spending will exceed £100m having also spent £27m on keeper David Raya and £42m on defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Former Arsenal keeper retires
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old broke the news to fans with an emotional statement on Instagram.
It read: "I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream - to make a living out of football. Little did I know it would be the start of a journey of a lifetime.
"Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times. Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game but the game would become my whole life.
"I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me. I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior.
"I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…"
Merino contract confirmed
Mikel Merino has just signed his four-year deal as an Arsenal player.
The Gunners have sealed a deal worth £32m for the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Merino will hope the feature in Arsenal's upcoming clash against Brighton at the Emirates on Saturday.
Nketiah handed 'green light'
Eddie Nketiah has now been granted permission by Arsenal to undergo medical ahead of completing a proposed move to Crystal Palace.
Palace are working to finalise agreements with the Gunners for a deal worth £30m for the 25-year-old striker on personal terms.
The move is expected to now go ahead.