"Expected to close in the next days" - Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal are closing in on their second signing of the transfer window

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed Arsenal are close to completing their second signing of the season. They have so far signed only Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in the ongoing transfer window.

The Gunners have reportedly been working on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old played an important role in Spain's Euro 2024 win, playing all seven games and scoring an important extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-final.

Earlier reports claimed Merino had agreed on personal terms with the London giants. Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the potential transfer, claiming the Gunners are closer than ever to completing their next signing.

The transfer expert said on YouTube (via TBR Football):

“Arsenal are now expected to close in the next days the agreement with Real Sociedad. It’s already closed, because the verbal exchange has already started then it’s going to be important to discuss payment structure, payment terms.

"So Arsenal are getting there for Mikel Merino. We can’t say here we go yet. But we can say that Arsenal are advancing well for Mikel Merino."

It has also been claimed that Merino turned down approach from other clubs in the Gunners' favor. He is said to be waiting for the north London club to either pay the £55 million release clause in his contract or negotiate a lower fee with Real Sociedad.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale warned to decide future this summer

While the Gunners are planning new signings, an exit could be on the cards for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The Englishman was replaced by David Raya as Mikel Arteta's top-choice shot-stopper last season.

After managing just six Premier League games last term, he is now the second-choice goalkeeper at the club. Rumors now claim he could be on his way out, with former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour warning him to make a decision this summer.

Speaking about Ramsdale, he told Mirror Sport (via GOAL):

"Aaron has now got to make a big decision about what he does, whether he sticks around and waits for his opportunity again or whether he says, 'Look, my time's up at Arsenal, but I'm gonna prove people wrong, prove Arteta wrong and start playing No1 for England.' So that's all he can do really - I think he will move on, because his appetite is to play every week."

With the Gunners no longer providing enough game time for the 26-year-old goalkeeper, an exit could be on the cards.