Arsenal struck secret agreement in final hours of summer transfer window

Arsenal concluded some under-the-radar negotiations on deadline day as defender Omar Rekik was released in the final hours of the window.

The Gunners looked like they were having a quiet end to the transfer window before pulling off a shock by making a late move for Raheem Sterling, with the out-of-favour Chelsea winger joining the Emirates on a season-long loan to bolster Mikel Arteta's side as they bid for the Premier League title once again.

Arsenal were much busier with outgoings on deadline day as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale joined Southampton in a £25million switch having lost his No 1 spot to David Raya.

Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah was also granted an exit from the Emirates after struggling to get into Arteta's starting XI - as the forward moved to Crystal Palace for around £30m.

But there was one outgoing that Arsenal fans may have missed - as Mirror Football understands that forgotten defender Rekik's contract was mutually terminated.

Rekik has been with Arsenal since 2021 but has never made a senior appearance for the Gunners. He has been loaned out to three different clubs since joining from Hertha Berlin three years ago, being sent to Sparta Rotterdam, Wigan and Servette.

The centre-back spent the first part of last season with Wigan in League One before joining Swiss side Servette in February 2024, but now the player's contract has prematurely ended.

Defender Omar Rekik joined the Gunners in 2021 but has failed to make a senior appearance (

Image:

Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Rekik joins Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny in being released by the club this summer, joining a host of other players making their way out of the club at the beginning of the season, including Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham in a £34m deal.

There were also exits for young midfielder Charlie Patino, who linked up with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, and Mika Biereth, who has signed for Sturm Graz in Austria.

Arsenal signed four player overall in this transfer window, signing David Raya on a permanent deal while also strengthening their back-line with the addition of Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42m.

In midfield, the club finally secured the long-awaited signature of Mikel Merino from Real Soceidad for around £31m before snatching the late signing of Sterling on loan.