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Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Saturday (August 17) in their Premier League opener. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka helped Mikel Arteta's side start the new campaign with a bang.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Elsewhere, the north London side have decided not to renew midfielder Thomas Partey's contract.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 17, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Joan Garcia, says journalist
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Gunners could be eyeing a new custodian depending on Aaron Ramsdale's future.
Ramsdale has dropped down the pecking order at the Emirates since the arrival of David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper initially joined the club on loan from Brentford last year before his move was made permanent this summer. Ramsdale is no longer a first-team regular under Arteta and is likely to be on the move this year in search of regular football.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth said that the north London side want Garcia to be Raya's backup if Ramsdale leaves.
“Arsenal will, of course, need to go into the market to bring in a goalkeeper (if Aaron Ramsdale leaves).
"And the Espanyol goalkeeper, a Spain Under-21 international, Joan Garcia is a player that they've been looking at. So, he would come in to fill in that quota of the goalkeepers that would be behind David Raya in the pecking order,” said Sheth.
Ramsdale is under contract at the Emirates till 2026.
Gunners make Thomas Partey decision
Arsenal have decided not to offer Thomas Partey a new contract, according to Football Transfers. The Ghanaian midfielder has entered the final year of his existing deal and is set to become a free agent in 2025.
Partey has blown hot and cold since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Injuries have hurt him during his stay at the Emirates, and he has never really established himself in Arteta's starting XI.
The manager is working to add Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino to his roster before the end of the transfer window and is ready to let Partey leave. The 31-year-old is likely to move to the Middle East next year.
Arsenal receive Mikel Merino boost
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has hinted that Mikel Merino's time at the Reale Arena is coming to an end. The Spanish midfiedler is in the final year of his contract but hasn't signed a new deal.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are working to bring the 28-year-old to the Emirates this summer. The player has apparently agreed a move, with the two clubs now engaged in talks to facilitate a deal.
Ahead of their game against Rayo Vallecano, Alguacil said that Merino isn't in the squad, as he's in talks to leave.
“I’ve left Merino out of the squad, as there are talks with other clubs. … and this is the best solution now,” said Alguacil.
Merino appeared 45 times for the La Liga side last season, scoring eight goals and setting up five across competitions.
