There is expected to be business both in and out of the Emirates Stadium over the next few days. The club are reported to be closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
The Spaniard is said to be keen on a move to Arsenal with talks progressing between the two clubs. If a deal is completed, he will become the fourth arrival of the transfer window following the permanent signing of David Raya and the captures of Riccardo Calafiori and Tommy Setford.
While Mikel Arteta is preparing his team for the weekend’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, there continues to be talk around incomings and outgoings at the club. With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at a couple of the stories from the last 24 hours and given our own thoughts too.
Plan outlined after Eddie Nketiah sale
Arsenal have no plans to replace Eddie Nketiah in the squad should his proposed £30 million move to Nottingham Forest go ahead, according to talkSPORT . The two clubs are closing in on an agreement for the striker ahead of next Friday’s transfer deadline.
Nketiah is one of the players who has been available for transfer throughout the summer. Marseille were among the clubs showing an interest but were unable to match Arsenal’s asking price.
It is reported by Fabrizio Romano that the player has now agreed personal terms with Forest and there is confidence that a deal will be done.
football.london says: "In an ideal world, Arsenal would be looking to add another striker to the squad this summer, especially with the expected departure of Nketiah. The sale will leave them with just one natural centre-forward in Gabriel Jesus, although Kai Havertz has been playing the role effectively.
"The emergence of Havertz means that bringing in a replacement for Nketiah is now not essential and the major decision has been taken not to press ahead with a new striker signing. The money made from the sale can instead be put into other areas of the squad, such as a move for Merino."
New contract for Arteta
Mikel Arteta is set to commit his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new contract with the club, according to Sky Sports. Arteta’s current contract at the Emirates Stadium runs until 2025, but that could be extended very soon.
Speaking earlier in the summer the Arsenal boss was relaxed about his own contract situation "No, there is no update at the moment. The thing that hasn't changed is how happy I am and how valued I feel here and how much I love representing this club," he told ESPN last month.
"Things happen in a natural way and our relationship is that good that I don't predict any issues happening," added the Arsenal coach. "But things have to develop in the right way and it will happen."
Barcelona were linked with an interest in Arteta earlier in the year. But a new contract will see off any interest from other clubs.
football.london says: "A new long-term contract for Arteta at Arsenal would be brilliant news all around for the club, with the future looking bright under the Spaniard. The impact he has had on the team since taking over in December 2019 is immeasurable.
"A new deal for the manager would take away any uncertainty over his future and mean the club has long-term stability - ending rumours of a move to Barcelona for good. It could also give them an edge over title rivals Man City with Guardiola currently having less than a year remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium."
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