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Arsenal are looking to upgrade their squad this summer after faltering in the final hurdle in the Premier League title race last season. Mikel Arteta's men were undone by Manchester City, who won the league on the final day of the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Elsewhere, the north London side are willing to allow goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to leave on a temporary move this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 18, 2024:
Arsenal eyeing Mikel Merino, says journalist
Arsenal remain interested in Mikel Merino, according to journalist Dean Jones. The Gunners remain in the market for a new midfielder this summer, even though they spent a fortune on Declan Rice last summer.
Arteta is looking for the Englishman's partner in midfield, with Thomas Partey expected to leave this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the manager has his eyes on Merino.
The 28-year-old doesn't fit the age limit of players recently targeted by Arteta but has all the qualities to excel at the Emirates. Merino is also in the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad and could be available for a nominal fee.
On the Ranks FC podcast, Jones said that the north London side have had initial discussions regarding the Sociedad midfielder.
“On Arsenal, I would look out for Mikel Merino. That is true, there is something in Merino. I don’t know how far it has gone yet, I think it will become quite clear soon, but something has happened, at least an initial discussion,” said Jones.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona also have their eyes on Merino.
Gunners open to Aaron Ramsdale loan
Arsenal are willing to accept a loan offer for Aaron Ramsdale, according to HITC. The English goalkeeper is no longer a first-choice under Arteta, who has secured the services of David Raya this summer.
The Spanish custodian had initially arrived at the Emirates from Brentford last summer on loan and enjoyed an outstanding campaign. Raya registered 20 clean sheets from 41 games, including 16 in the Premier League, which won him the Golden Glove.
Arteta is delighted with his efforts, and the club have triggered the permanent clause in his contract. The developments have thrown Ramsdale's future in the air. The Englishman is eager to leave in search of regular football this summer.
While the Gunners would prefer him to stay, they are ready to let him go for a premium. However, lack of interest in the 26-year-old has forced them to alter their stance. They could now allow Ramsdale to leave on a temporary move.
Arsenal suffer Daniel Bentley blow
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Daniel Bentley this summer. According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks to extend the Englishman's stay at the Molineux.
The Midlands club remain open to Bentley's exit, but a new deal could make the transfer a lot costlier for the Gunners. Arteta is looking for a new goalkeeper amid the uncertainties surrounding Ramsdale.
Bentley has been identified as an option, and the north London side have already had an opening offer for the player turned down. The 31-year-old could be a fine backup for David Raya, who is set to remain the No. 1 at the Emirates next season.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacob said that Arsenal will have to return with a better offer to get their man.
"There's internal talks between Wolves and Bentley, because there is an option to extend Bentley's contract - which only has one year left - by a further two years.
"Either that contract will be extended and will end the chapter because the player will decide that he simply wants to extend and stay, or it may be extended simply to protect the value," said Jacobs.
He continued:
"And then Arsenal will ultimately have to treat the player - if they still want him - as if he's got three years left and not one year left. That will ultimately increase the number necessary in order to secure his signature."
He concluded:
"Wolves are quite calm about the situation, they're not in a rush to sell. Ideally, they just want to keep the player and if Arsenal want Bentley, they're going to have to offer significantly more than their first rejected offer of £50,000."
Bentley is behind Jose Sa in the pecking order at the Molineux.
