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Arsenal are putting together final preparations ahead of their season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Saturday (August 17) in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's team finished second in the league, behind Manchester City, last season for the second straight year.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are close to securing a deal for Real Soceidad midfielder Mikel Merino. Elsewhere, the north London side are planning to sign a new No. 9 this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 16, 2024:
Arsenal close to Mikel Merino deal, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are in the final phase of discussions for Mikel Merino this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners have been locked in talks for the Spanish midfielder for a while but are yet to reach a breakthrough.
Arteta is looking to add more experience to the middle of the park this year. The manager is likely to allow Thomas Partey to leave, and Merino has been identified as the perfect replacement for the Ghanaian.
On the Here We Go podcast, Romano added that the 28-year-old has agreed to move to the Emirates.
"Arsenal already started the negotiations weeks ago for Mikel Merino, Arsenal are in active conversations with Real Sociedad.
"The player wants to go to Arsenal, he has an agreement with Arsenal. Barcelona, Atletico and all the other clubs that were interested are aware of the desire of the player, who wants to go to Arsenal," said Romano.
He continued:
"The contract is ready, the player wants to work for Mikel Arteta and is really attracted by the technical project and by the manager. He believes that Arteta is the perfect coach for his skills."
Romano added that the two clubs are now working on the final details of a deal.
"Now, Arsenal and Real Sociedad are in contact, talks are at a very advanced stage, but still working on the payment terms and the deal structure.
"It's similar to what happened with Riccardo Calafiori, so there is still some work to do," said Romano.
Merino's contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2025.
Gunners eyeing new striker
Arteta is still in the market for a new No. 9, according to journalist Dean Jones. Recent reports have suggested that the manager has his eyes on Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract and is likely to be on the move this summer. However, the Gunners are apparently concerned that the 28-year-old might not be a good fit in their locker room.
Arteta has moved on to alternate options, with Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres also on his radar. The Swedish striker was on fire for the Portuguese champions last season and could be a hit at the Emirates.
Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen is apparently a target for the north London side as well, but the Nigerian could be on his way to Chelsea.
Journalist backs Wojciech Szczesny to return to the Emirates
Wojciech Szczesny could make a return to the Emirates this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. Arteta is looking for a new goalkeeper this year amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Aaron Ramsdale.
The English goalkeeper dropped down the pecking order last season following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford. Raya has signed a permanent deal following an outstanding season.
Ramsdale is now looking to leave in search of regular football. Meanwhile, Szczesny is available as a free agent this summer following the expiry of his contract with Juventus.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth said that Szczesny might not be too keen to play second fiddle to Raya, though.
“It's an interesting one. It would surprise me if he was to come back, but funny things have happened. It's whether Szczesny, as well, would be satisfied to come back and be a deputy and not be a number one," said Sheth.
He continued:
“Remember, he's just left the club, a massive club in Juventus, where he was the number one goalkeeper. So it'd be interesting to see where he ends up.”
Szczesny appeared 181 times for the north London side during his stay at the Emirates.
