Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing Serie A ace; club plan swap deal for Dan Bentley, and more - August 7, 2024

Arsenal will be hoping to be third-time lucky in the Premier League title race next season. Mikel Arteta's team finished second, behind Manchester City, two campaigns in a row, so the Spaniard is working to improve his squad this summer.

Meanwhile, the Gunners remain in the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the north London side are working on a swap deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Dan Bentley.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 7, 2024:

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Arsenal eyeing Victor Osimhen, says Gianluca Di Marzio

Arsenal remain interested in Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Nigerian striker is a much sought-after man this summer and is being targeted by multiple clubs across the continent.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified him as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe. Chelsea are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old as well, although their pursuit of Samu Omorodion could spell the end of their interest in Osimhen.

The Gunners are also in the market for a new No. 9 and have had their eyes on Osimhen for a while. After tasting defeat in their efforts to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, Arteta is considering a move for the Nigerian.

The player has been left out of Napoli's pre-season games and is training separately as the club prepare for his exit. Osimhen has a £110 million release clause, which the north London side have to exercise to get their man.

The player's agent has already confirmed that the 25-year-old won't leave on a temporary deal.

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Gunners plan swap deal for Dan Bentley

Arsenal are working on a swap deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers involving Dan Bentley and Aaron Ramsdale, according to talkSPORT. The Midlands club are looking for a new goalkeeper, as Jose Sar is expected to leave this summer.

Meanwhile, Ramsdale's time at the Emirates could also be coming to an end after dropping behind David Raya in the pecking order last season. The Spanish goalkeeper initially joined on a loan from Brentford last year, but his move has been made permanent this summer.

The Englishman is likely to struggle for game time if he stays with the Gunners and is exploring his options. The north London side also have to sign a new goalkeeper if Ramsdale leaves.

Arsenal have already identified Bentley as an option and are working on a deal that would benefit all parties.

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Gunners getting closer to Mikel Merino, says Fabrizio Romano

Arsenal are close to securing a move for Mikel Merino this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad but is expected to be on the move this summer.

Merino has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners, who are now working to strike a deal with their La Liga counterparts. The 28-year-old could be a fine replacement for Thomas Partey, who's likely to leave this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that only a few details are left to be sorted before the move materialises.

"It's getting closer. It's not done yet. They still need some conversations with Real Sociedad in terms of payment terms and the structure of add-ons, so they still need to clarify some important parts of the deal with Real Sociedad," said Romano.

He continued:

“But the conversation between Arsenal and Real Sociedad is ongoing; at the moment, it’s all verbal exchanges, so still no official bid to close the deal."

Merino appeared 45 times last season for Sociedad, scoring eight goals and setting up five across competitions.