Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners set Eddie Nketiah demand, Real Sociedad plan Mikel Merino renewal, and more - August 11, 2024
Arsenal will be determined to get their hands on the Premier League trophy in the upcoming season after failing twice in the past two campaigns. Mikel Arteta is planning squad reinforcements accordingly this summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are willing to consider a temporary move for Eddie Nketiah only if one requirement is met. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad are looking to keep Mikel Merino at the club beyond this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from August 11, 2024.
Arsenal set Eddie Nketiah demand
Arsenal are willing to consider a loan deal for Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to The Athletic. The English forward is no longer a guaranteed starter under Mikel Arteta, who is ready to let him go this year.
Recent reports have suggested that the player has already agreed personal terms with Marseille ahead of a move. However, the Ligue 1 giants have struggled to convince the Gunners, who have rejected two offers for the 25-year-old.
The north London side are willing to let him go on loan but want a €30m obligation to buy in the deal. The player's contract at the Emirates runs until 2027, so they are under no pressure to cash in on him right now.
Real Sociedad plan Mikel Merino renewal
Real Sociedad haven't given up on their attempts to keep Mikel Merino at the Reale Arena beyond this summer, according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa. The Spanish midfielder is a target for Arsenal this summer and has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a move.
The Gunners are now in talks with their La Liga counterparts to complete the transfer. Merino has entered the final year of his contract with Sociedad and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
It was previously believed that the Spanish club are resigned to losing him this year for a cut-price fee. However, it now appears that they haven't thrown in the towel yet. Sociedad have apparently offered the 28-year-old a renewal offer with a significant pay hike.
The Basque club are hoping to keep hold of their prized asset, but the north London side are fairly confident of getting Merino this year. It is unclear whether the Spaniard has responded to Sociedad's proposal.
Gunners haven't submitted offer for Martin Zubimendi, says Fabrizio Romano
Martin Zubimendi was never in talks to join Arsenal this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish midfielder is apparently closing in on a move to Liverpool this year.
Zubimendi has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following his consistent performances for Real Sociedad in recent seasons. Mikel Arteta is apparently a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old and it was believed that he would push to sign the player this year.
However, the Spanish manager is now working to sign Zubimendi's teammate Mikel Merino instead. That could leave the door open for the Reds to get their man.
Speaking recently, as cited by The Sun, Romano added that the Gunners spoke to Zubimendi but he wasn't keen on a move.
“Many clubs tried to convince Martin Zubimendi in the last couple of years – Barcelona, Bayern, Arsenal, many clubs spoke to the player, he wasn’t keen on the move. It’s important to clarify that Arsenal were never negotiating for Zubimendi this summer,” Romano said.
Zubimendi's contract at the Reale Arena runs until 2027.