Academy stars Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters have also departed at the end of their contracts with Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny also being released. Further exits appear on the horizon with Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe all of interest to clubs across Europe.
With the deal being finalised, Arsenal are likely preparing an official announcement video, though work for sporting director Edu is far from over. Signing a midfielder now appears the absolute priority for Arsenal with Mikel Merino the name that continues to be linked - and now an update on the club's plans for the Real Sociedad midfielder has come to light.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, no official bids have been made by Arsenal for Merino as of yet, though formal contacts for a new midfielder are expected to start in the coming days. In the update it was also noted that Calafiori had taken their focus and with that deal now wrapped up, signing Merino can become the priority.
The 28-year-old is said to have a £50.6million (€60m) release clause in his contract, though it has been suggested elsewhere that value will deteriorate as the summer elapses with just 12 months remaining on his current deal. As such, Arsenal could seal a bargain transfer for the midfielder as a potential Smith Rowe replacement.
However, Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz has recently emerged as an option with initial talks held over a deal. Selling a midfielder would first be needed and it would also be a loan with an obligation to buy, but it is certainly an achievable transfer for Arteta and Edu if they wish to pursue it.
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