Arsenal reach impasse in transfer for wantaway star

Suraj Radia

27 Aug 2024 18:00 BST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have been told they must drop the asking price of one of their wantaway stars if they wish to sell him this summer after seeing multiple clubs back out of a deal.

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Mikel Arteta is making the final amendments to his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday, with Mikel Merino having officially joined the club from Real Sociedad for an initial fee of €32 million.

The Gunners are still hoping to sign a forward in the coming days, particularly with Eddie Nketiah in advanced talks to join Crystal Palace in a permanent deal.

However, Arsenal have accepted that another signing may not be possible and the focus could instead be on seeing the likes of Kieran Tierney and Reiss Nelson seek exits from the Emirates.

Aaron Ramsdale is also likely to depart Arsenal before Friday’s deadline but Wolves have become the latest club to drop out of the running for the England goalkeeper due to Arsenal’s demands.

Arsenal are understood to only want a permanent move or a loan deal with an obligation to buy but, according to Sky Sports, the overall fee is considered too high for interested teams.

© IMAGO - Aaron Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal's options for Ramsdale transfer decreasing

Ajax are also thought to be interested in Ramsdale, having already had a loan offer knocked back for the 26-year-old, although Bournemouth’s interest is likely to have dropped after pursuing a deal for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga instead.

Southampton held talks with Arsenal over Ramsdale last week but opted instead to move for Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow, however that move has fallen through due to issues with the medical.

The Saints could now prove to be the frontrunners for Ramsdale is Arsenal do look to drop their demands, having already agreed personal terms with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a replacement.

Current ETV

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal

ETV Range

€16.7M - €27.9M

Arsenal have also told Jakub Kiwior that he is not for sale this summer, having fielded interest from a number of clubs in a move for the Polish defender, who is now expected to stay in North London this season.