Arsenal Transfer News Today: Merino FORCING move, Frimpong SHOCK, Nketiah deal UPDATE

Jacque Talbot

• 16 Aug 2024 13:07 BST
• 4 min read

The latest Arsenal transfer news updates, with the hottest updates on all the potential new signings and sales at the Emirates, including Eddie Nketiah, Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino and Jeremie Frimpong.

Frimpong in Arsenal transfer hint?

Jeremie Frimpong was one of the most exciting defenders in the Bundesliga last season with Bayer Leverkusen - but has he hinted that he would like a move to Arsenal?

The Netherlands international full-back, 23, was spotted on social media driving in the news Gunners home kit, sparking a frenzy from supporters hopeful that he might be in line to join the club.

While an immediate transfer looks unlikely, it's one for Gooners to monitor in the future, particularly with competition for his signature likely to be fierce in the future.

Merino drops Sociedad exit hint

Mikel Merino appears to be taking matters into his own hands at Real Sociedad and is not expected to play in Sunday's fixture against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.

El Desmarque reports that a deal between the clubs could be concluded by the beginning of the game, although La Real have so far knocked back the Gunners' bids. An agreement, however, does appear to be close.

Talks between Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, and the Spanish club are continuing after Sociedad turned down a first formal bid believed to be worth €25m, reports The Guardian.

Sociedad are thought to want around €10m more and improved payment terms on a deal.

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Current ETV

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

€20.1M

ETV Range

€15M - €25.1M

View full profile

Nketiah interest builds again

Eddie Nketiah remains a Gunners player despite the Premier League being open to offers. Ligue 1 outfit Marseille had been close to a deal but nothing finalised.

More recently, Bournemouth were thought to be in talks over a possible move for the striker. Boosted by the money received for Dominic Solanke, the Cherries were after a No.9 to come in, step up, and take the former Liverpool man's place.

Bournemouth narrowed their search to two main targets — Nketiah and Porto’s Evanilson, reports the Evening Standard, but it is the Brazil striker who is set to join from the Portuguese club, in a deal worth €47m.

Still, interest in building in the England international once more. Nottingham Forest have taken an interest in the player, while Ben Jacobs reports that clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga are both looking at him as a possible summer addition.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Arsenal end Zubimendi pursuit as Arteta offered star compared to Pirlo

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Martin Zubimendi, who recently rejected Liverpool, but decided against a move, reports GunnerBlog.

It's believed "Arteta is enamoured with Merino" and he is now their main focus for midfield. Talks remain underway for the former Newcastle player.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been offered the services of former PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, a player compared to Italy great Andrea Pirlo, with the Italian seeking a route back to European football after a year in Qatar.