Arsenal plot ‘major’ Emile Smith Rowe repeat before Deadline Day if they seal Mikel Merino transfer

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Arsenal are planning to be busy in what remains of the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta still wants to add to his Arsenal squad, but the club will ensure that they do so in a measured and balanced manner. 

Arsenal are in a strong PSR position, and are not being shackled by any such financial concerns. However, in order to ensure that that remains the case, they must continue conducting themselves in the transfer market in a responsible fashion. 

That means that the Gunners will continue to offset their purchases with sales. Earlier this summer, Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori and allowed Emile Smith Rowe to join Fulham. Such transactions allow sporting director Edu to keep the books balanced.

Now, Arsenal are close to signing Mikel Merino. As such, the North London club are plotting another sale to help keep their squad size manageable and their financial affairs in order.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal planning another sale to fund Mikel Merino

According to The Athletic, Arsenal want to back up the impending signing of Merino with “another major sale,” in the mould of the move that took Smith Rowe to Craven Cottage. 

However, with Arsenal known to be keen to sell, Edu could find that his negotiating position is weakened. Clubs will seek to take advantage of the Gunners’ situation in an effort to drive down the prices of players coming from the Emirates Stadium.

It does seem, though, that Arsenal will press on with getting a deal for Merino over the line first, before turning their attentions to making a sale to support that transfer.

Who could follow Emile Smith Rowe out of Arsenal?

Four Arsenal players could be sold before Transfer Deadline Day, as there is currently interest in Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Jakub Kiwior, and Aaron Ramsdale. 

Nketiah is wanted by Nottingham Forest, and is perhaps the closest to a departure. However, it could be the case that Arteta wants to replace the forward with another attacker, meaning that his exit would not necessarily offset the deal to bring in Merino.

The same could be said for Ramsdale, as the Gunners would need an immediate and direct replacement for the goalkeeper. Joan Garcia is lined up to take Ramsdale’s place as the Arsenal No.2, behind David Raya, in that scenario.

With the recent arrival of Calafiori, it is hard to see how Kiwior fits in to Arteta’s plans. Indeed, the Polish defender was left out of the matchday squad entirely to face Wolves. As such, he would not need replacing if he were to be let go now, meaning his sale could help to fund the purchase of Merino.