Arsenal is pursuing three swift transfers as the situation surrounding Mikel Merino’s transfer remains uncertain.
Further transfer developments are anticipated at Arsenal as the summer window approaches its conclusion.
Supporters of Arsenal may need to prepare for additional departures this summer before the club can finalize the acquisition of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
Although terms with the 28-year-old midfielder are reportedly agreed upon, the deal is stalling as both parties have yet to settle on a transfer fee.
Merino reportedly has a £52 million release clause in his contract; however, the Premier League side is aiming to negotiate a lower fee, given that the player is entering the final year of his contract.
The Gunners have already secured the signing of Riccardo Calafiori this summer, and David Raya has transitioned from a loan arrangement with Brentford to a permanent deal.
Merino garnered the attention of the club through his performances during Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign.
In the quarter-finals against Germany, he netted a crucial header in the 119th minute, leading his team to a 2-1 win, and he also played in the final against England.
However, after spending over £200 million last season, Arsenal is required to sell players to adhere to profit and sustainability regulations. Emilie Smith Rowe has already made a move, transferring to Fulham for £34 million.
According to the Athletic, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Aaron Ramsdale are all seeking transfers before the season begins to secure first-team opportunities.
The club’s Premier League season kicks off on August 17 with a home match against Wolves.
Ramsdale, 26, has been the subject of transfer speculation since losing his starting position to Raya last season.
Any potential move was delayed this summer due to his participation with England in Euro 2024, although he did not see any action on the pitch in Germany.
With Ramsdale and Raya unavailable, Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein took the field during the recent pre-season tour in the United States.
Although he has only made one League Cup appearance for the club at the senior level, the 22-year-old is poised to assume the role of the club’s second-choice keeper if Ramsdale is transferred.
Eddie Nketiah also faced challenges in securing a regular position last season, despite achieving his first Premier League hat-trick against Sheffield United.
The 25-year-old forward participated in the American tour but did not make a significant impact in matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Reiss Nelson has similarly found himself in a limited role, starting only once in the Premier League last season. The 24-year-old right-back has previously been loaned to Hoffenheim and Feyenoord and is reportedly looking for a permanent move.
Arsenal is expected to facilitate swift transfers for all three players, as Mikel Arteta aims to finalize his squad ahead of the club’s title challenge.
The Gunners have two remaining pre-season matches, facing Bayer Leverkusen tonight (Wednesday) and Lyon on Sunday.
