ARSENAL are closing in on a move for Spanish Euro 2024 star Mikel Merino, according to reports.
Arsenal are close to completing a deal for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino. The Gunners are in the process of finalising Merino’s move to the Emirates. The North Londoners will pay £25million plus bonuses for the midfielder. The deal to sign the Spain international could get over the line this week.
In other news, Emile Smith Rowe has left the club to join London rivals Fulham in a deal worth £34m. Elsewhere, the Gunners have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres. Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane during the summer transfer window. The Gunners want a versatile winger to improve their attacking options as they need competition Bukayo Saka. Sane’s contract talks with Bayern are stalling, according to Sky Sports Germany. And the North Londoners are keeping a “close” eye on developments. The 28-year-old has one year left on his contract with the Bavarians.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta expressed his “sadness” after Arsenal confirmed the £34m departure of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham. The Gunners midfielder, 24, ends a 14-year spell with the North Londoners – becoming the most expensive academy-grown departure in the club’s history.
Smith Rowe joins the Cottagers on a long-term deal with £27m paid upfront plus £7m in add-ons – and could make his debut on Monday in a friendly at home to Sevilla.
He left Arsenal’s pre-season States camp to complete his medical earlier this week before joining the Fulham squad in Portugal – keen to hit the ground running after making just 25 Prem appearances since August 2022.
Marseille in France made immense progress in their bid to sign Arsenal ace Eddie Nketiah. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, L’OM have agreed personal terms with Nketiah.
The French giants now need to reach an agreement with the Gunners. However, a deal for the striker is far from being complete.
Arsenal are “preparing a bid” to sign Sporting Lisbon star Victor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window.
Gyokeres is rated at €100million (£86m) but the Gunners are attempting to sign him for a much lower fee.
According to Football Transfers, the North Londoners will make a move for the striker.
Arsenal are “willing to pay roughly €60million (£52m) for the Sweden international but Sporting “want at least” €70m (£60m).
Arsenal are one of the teams thought to be pursuing Adrien Rabiot. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also hold an interest according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. The player is available as a free agent after leaving Juventus. (www.thesun.co.uk)
