Catch all the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Mikel Merino, Eddie Nketiah and Nico Williams.
Mikel Merino transfer talks intensify
Arsenal are working hard to intensify talks over a transfer deal for midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer window.
The Gunners have viewed the Spaniard as a top target to fill a vacancy in their central ranks heading into the new Premier League season.
With Mikel Arteta aiming to win the title this campaign, the 28-year-old is viewed as an ideal option to help them do just that.
However, Arsenal are yet to meet Real Sociedad’s asking price for Merino, with the move seemingly stalling at this stage.
Fortunately for the Emirates Stadium faithful, that may change soon.
That’s because according to the Spanish outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Sporting Director Edu Gaspar has flown out to Spain for discussions.
The former midfielder is claimed to have visited Merino to reassure him that a move is still on the cards, despite the move stalling.
Those private talks may well have eased any tension over the deal as Arsenal look to close the move soon.
Read more on Mikel Merino to Arsenal transfer here.
Eddie Nketiah exit latest
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a potential move to AFC Bournemouth this summer, following uncertainty over his future with the Gunners.
The England international started just nine games in the Premier League last season, despite starting the campaign well for Mikel Arteta.
With those lack of starts, plenty of links suggested that Olympique Marseille were eyeing a deal for Nketiah.
However, the French club have been unwilling to match the asking price set by Arsenal and have moved on to other targets.
That left just Bournemouth in the frame as they looked to find a suitable replacement for Dominic Solanke – who recently joined Tottenham.
While the Cherries have been in the mix for Nketiah, the forward may have received a blow in making that switch.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth have instead agreed a deal with Porto for striker Evanilson.
It is at the same price range as Nketiah was claimed to be, but the south coast side have moved for the alternative option instead.
It leaves plenty of questions surrounding the Arsenal striker and his place in the squad.
Read more on Eddie Nketiah transfer blow, here.
Nico Williams transfer update
One star who has been linked with an unlikely move to Arsenal this summer is Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.
The forward has impressed over the past season, helping his side win the Copa Del Rey as well as playing a huge part in Spain’s European Championship success.
That led to plenty of talks surrounding a transfer, though it seemed a stay at Bilbao was the most likely option.
That was until Ernesto Valverde – the manager of Athletic Bilbao, has suggested a move in the market could come around.
As quoted by Sport, he said: “The market is open. We have players like Nico [Williams] who are doing well here, but the market is open until the 30th [of August] so that we and the rest of the teams can improve their squads.
“I see Nico in very good shape. That Nico can continue with us this season is important in terms of our own self-esteem. I don’t know what can happen.”
It suggests that there is still some hope in Arsenal making a move for Williams this season if they wish to pursue it.
Read more on Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer hope, here.
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