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Arsenal started their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 17, at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's team narrowly missed out on the top prize last season and the Spanish manager will be desperate to go all the way this year.
Meanwhile, Everton have set their sights on an English forward. Elsewhere, Jakub Kiwior is likely to leave the Emirates this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer stories from August 18, 2024.
Everton eyeing Eddie Nketiah
Everton are planning a loan move for Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to Football Insider. Arsenal are ready to let the English forward leave this year and were initially in talks with Marseille regarding a move.
However, the Ligue 1 giants ended their pursuit of the 24-year-old owing to the Gunners' steep demands. Mikel Arteta no longer considers Nketiah as part of his plans at the Emirates and is eager to let him go this year.
Bournemouth are also interested in the player as they look for Dominic Solanke's replacement. However, the Cherries are yet to submit an official proposal for the 25-year-old. Everton have now entered the fray.
Sean Dyche wants a new striker to solve his goal-scoring conundrum and has identified Nketiah as an option. The Toffees are considering a loan deal for the player, but a move could depend on Dominic Calvert-Lewin's future.
The north London side would prefer to offload the player permanently, but could be open to a temporary deal with an option to buy. Nketiah's contract with Arsenal runs until 2027.
Jakub Kiwior likely to leave Arsenal, says Fabrizio Romano
Jakub Kiwior could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Polish defender was quite impressive for Arsenal last season in an unconventional left-back role. Kiwior ended the campaign with 30 appearances across competitions.
However, the Gunners have already signed an upgrade in Riccardo Calafiori this summer and are willing to let the Pole leave. AC Milan were previously interested in the 24-year-old, although they are yet to register a bid.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the north London side are not in talks with any clubs for Kiwior.
“There’s a serious possibility for Kiwior to leave but my sources guarantee to me that as of today, there are no concrete talks with any particular club,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“It’s not the case of one specific club already being in negotiations for Kiwior at this moment in time. My understanding, though, is that Kiwior would love to return to Italy.”
Kiwior is under contract with Arsenal until 2028.
Mikel Merino a step away from Emirates, says Fabrizio Romano
Mikel Merino is very close to a move to the Emirates this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Arsenal have already identified the Spanish midfielder as a priority target for the current transfer window.
Merino was outstanding for Real Sociedad last season, scoring eight goals and setting up five more from 45 games. He was also part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old has reportedly agreed to join Mikel Arteta's setup this summer, although convincing the San Sebastian club hasn't been easy. The north London side have been in talks with their La Liga counterparts for a while and a breakthrough is reportedly right around the corner.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano added that a deal could be completed in the next couple of days.
“Get ready, guys, because these could be important hours. My feeling, talking to my sources, is that could be something like 24-48 hours, but we are really at the final meters, at the final details of the Mikel Merino deal. The here we go to Arsenal is really, really close. We can say almost there," said Romano.
He continued:
“They are working on the final steps and then Mikel Merino will be a new Arsenal player. As I told you, there is already an agreement on the final fee, they’re working, it’s already two-three weeks on the payment terms, the deal, structure, the add-ons. So, the details of the deal, but they’re getting closer on everything, even on the details."
He concluded:
“So, Mikel Merino is extremely close to becoming a new Arsenal player. He already had some conversations with Mikel Arteta. He can’t wait to play for Mikel Arteta, as I told you these weeks. The director of Arsenal, Edu, has been in Spain in recent days to advance on the deal. So getting definitely closer to the here we go for Mikel Merino.”
Mikel Arteta has targeted younger players in recent transfer windows but is apparently willing to make an exception for his countryman.
