Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners remain in Mikel Merino talks, Bournemouth want English ace, and more - August 15, 2024
Arsenal are preparing to host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Saturday, August 17, in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta has already bolstered his squad by adding Riccardo Calafiori to his roster this summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are in talks to sign Mikel Merino this summer. Elsewhere, Bournemouth are interested in an English forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from August 15, 2024.
Arsenal remain in Mikel Merino talks
Arsenal remain locked in talks with Real Sociedad for the services of Mikel Merino, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and is unlikely to sign a new deal with the La Liga side.
The Gunners have already identified the 28-year-old as a priority target this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the player has already agreed to a move to the Emirates and is now waiting for the clubs to strike a deal.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the player is confident of joining Mikel Arteta's squad this summer.
“Arsenal are in constant contact with Real Sociedad over the transfer of Mikel Merino. So, talks are taking place, all parties are optimistic and Merino has been very clear on his plan to join Arsenal. It’s advancing well and there are no big issues now. It’s just about the deal structure with all parties working on it. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both informed on Merino’s plan to go to Arsenal,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Arsenal have been talking with Sociedad for almost a month, but the plan is clear, with Merino keen to join Arsenal and having the desire to play for Mikel Arteta. It’s just about the clubs working together in a friendly way to find a solution, and the feeling is that Merino is really confident of becoming an Arsenal player in the final two weeks of the window.”
Merino could be a fine replacement for Thomas Partey, who is expected to part ways with the north London side this summer.
Bournemouth want Eddie Nketiah
Bournemouth are planning a move for Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The English forward hasn't lived up to the billing at the Emirates in recent times. Last season, Nketiah registered six goals and three assists from 37 games across competitions under Mikel Arteta.
The Spanish manager isn't completely convinced by the 25-year-old, who will be allowed to leave this year. Marseille were previously in talks to sign the Englishman this summer, but have ended their pursuit after signing Elye Wahi. Bournemouth are looking for a replacement for Dominic Solanke, who left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and have their eyes on Nketiah.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the Cherries are yet to agree a deal for the Englishman.
“For now, Reiss Nelson is probably too expensive for Leicester, while Eddie Nketiah remains on Bournemouth’s list but terms of the deal are still not agreed,” wrote Romano.
Nketiah is under contract with the Gunners until 2027.
Ian Wright rues Dominic Solanke decision
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that the club should have moved for Dominic Solanke this summer. The English forward has joined Ange Postecoglou's roster this summer after Tottenham Hotspur triggered his release clause.
Solanke was on fire for Bournemouth last season, scoring 21 goals and setting up four more in 42 games across competitions. Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new No. 9 this summer and previously tried to sign RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko.
However, the Slovenian has apparently decided to stay at the Red Bull Arena for now, prompting the Spanish manager to seek alternate options. Solanke is proven in the Premier League and could have been a fine choice for the job.
Speaking on The Overlap, Wright insisted that his countryman could be the signing of the summer.
“You know, I wouldn’t have been too… that wouldn’t have bothered me if they went for Solanke. With Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, they lost their place last season but we can probably get the goals from them if they get back to where we know they can be. They’re better than they showed last season,” said Wright.
He continued:
“Dominic Solanke could be the signing of the season at £65m. I like that move for them and I think he could be a good signing with the way he plays, he doesn’t get injured, he scores goals.”
The Gunners have also been linked with Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.