Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners ‘AGREE £33m deal for Mikel Merino’, huge Lookman BLOW, Nketiah EXIT latest

Merino on brink of joining Gunners

Mikel Merino's Arsenal move is all but sealed.

The Gunners have agreed in principle a fee of around £33million plus a four-year contract for Real Sociedad's stylish Spain midfielder.

And tonight there's every indication that the transfer is just a medical away from being finalised.

'Best Arsenal kid ever' tipped for Spain move

Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino was once labelled the "the best kid I've ever seen." by a Gunners' scout.

But now, aged 20, the former loanee for Blackpool and Swansea is reportedly closing on a £1million switch to the Spanish second-tier.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Deportivo La Coruna are "sealing right now" a permanent move for the England Under-21 star.

But Roman also says Arsenal have included a “significant” sell-on clause and will keep “potential future control on the player”.

Wolves battle for Ramsdale agreement

Wolves hope to persuade Arsenal to change their demands over keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil wants the England keeper in a loan deal with an option to buy for £25million.

But the Gunners would reportedly prefer a permanent move - or at least an obligation to buy the 26-year-old.

Could Gunners yet move for Toney?

Ivan Toney has been tipped for Saudi Araba - but don't discount Arsenal.

That's the view of ex-Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov as Brentford facing losing their star striker for around £35m.

Berbatov said: “Toney to Arsenal? Why not?

"I think he made the most of his playing time at the Euros and gave everything and the best that he could with such a limited amount of playing time.

“The way he plays the game. The way he moves, scoring goals, taking penalties and taking responsibility means it’s time for the next step but which direction that is we will have to wait and see.”

In the Mik of time

Prime Arsenal target Mikel Merino is training away from the Real Sociedad squad as he closes in on an Emirates switch

The Gunners and Sociedad have been locked in talks this week over a deal for Merino, with the Spanish club holding out for a fee of around £34million.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is said to have flown to London for negotiations and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached.

Merino, who was in the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, wants to join Arsenal and was left out of the Sociedad squad for their opening game of the La Liga season on Sunday.

Arsenal linked to Everton star

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could join the Gunners in a swap deal for Eddie Nketiah, according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness.

He told Football Insider: "Calvert-Lewin’s future is yet to be decided.

“Eddie Nketiah could be coming as a replacement, and it could even be some kind of swap deal. It could work.

“I do expect some movement for Everton up front.

“They need to refresh things after the first season. There could be a couple of things yet to drop before the deadline.”

Paul Merson shares Arsenal doubt

Former Gooner Paul Merson believes Arsenal are one or two players short as they fight for the title.

He said: “I still think they are one or two players short to cover. But they are going to be there or thereabouts.

“I like what they do Arsenal. They buy the players they need. They are looking at the midfield player now (Mikel Merino). They just brought the lad in from Italy (Riccardo Calafiori) to take the workload of Saliba and Gabriel if they get injured.

“There is a method about Arsenal. They are doing it the right way. They are just bang out of luck because they are coming up against one of the greatest teams ever to play football, not just in the Premier League.”

Arsenal dealt blow in Lookman pursuit

Ademola Lookman is expected to stay at Atalanta According to TuttoAtalanta.

He has reportedly held a positive meeting with Atalanta about his future.

The two parties have found a middle ground to continue together so it appears the former Everton wide player is set to remain in Serie A beyond the summer.

A new deal could be agreed in the coming days, putting Arsenal back to the drawing board with just eight days in the window remaining.

Arteta told to sign former Chelsea star

Emmanuel Petit believes Arsenal should withdraw their interest in £30m target Mikel Merino and launch an audacious move for former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.

He told Safest Casino Sites: "If Arsenal want to bring a player who will be great competition for the midfielders, I don’t think it should be Mikel Merino or Frenkie de Jong because they’re primarily number eights.

"I think Arsenal should bring back N’Golo Kante to the Premier League. I want him to play for Arsenal, he would be so important to the side in terms of rotation.

"Kante’s spirit, reading of the game and breaking the opposition lines is still top quality. He can play as a holding midfielder and as a number eight.

"When you look at Arsenal’s squad, they’re all humble, that fits Kante perfectly and Arteta would love him."

Teen features in senior training

Teenager Ayden Heaven, 17, took part in first-team training this week.

The youngster has attracted transfer interest from Borussia Dortmund and featured in pre-season for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta has never shied away from calling up youngsters to first-team training with Ethan Nwaneri even making his debut for the club at 15 years of age.

Arsenal receive Merino transfer boost

Mikel Merino is training away from the Real Sociedad squad as he closes in on a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners and Sociedad have been locked in talks this week over a deal for Merino, with the Spanish club holding out for a fee of around £34million.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is said to have flown to London for negotiations and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached.

Merino, who was in the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, wants to join Arsenal and was left out of the Sociedad squad for their opening game of the La Liga season on Sunday.

Vieira showers Gooner with praise

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has revealed why his is such a big fan of Declan Rice.

He said of the midfielder: “I like him because he’s a team player and I think, when you play in that position, you have to be the one who sacrifices yourself for the team.

“You have to win the ball and you have to give it to the players who can make the difference.

“It’s a really difficult position because you work hard for the team but you may not get a lot of credit like the guys who score those goals.”

Toney to Arsenal 'makes sense'

Arsenal could make a move for Ivan Toney in the last week of the window, according to former striker Dimitar Berbatov.

He said: “Toney to Arsenal? Why not? I think he made the most of his playing time at the Euros and gave everything and the best that he could with such a limited amount of playing time.

“The way he plays the game. The way he moves, scoring goals, taking penalties and taking responsibility means it’s time for the next step but which direction that is we will have to wait and see.”

Reds battle Arsenal for keeper

Liverpool have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Espanyol star Joan Garcia, as per Mundo Deportivo.

The Reds monitoring his current situation closely before making any potential move over the coming days.

Garcia has a release clause of £26m and Arsenal could sign him as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, should the keeper depart.