Arsenal Transfer News Today: Merino finally CLOSE, Gyokeres REMINDER, Kiwior to LEAVE?

Cameron Smith

18 Aug 2024 17:00 BST
4 min read

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal football transfer news updates, including the latest on Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jakub Kiwior.

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Mikel Merino close

Mikel Merino is finally close to joining Arsenal, as per multiple reports.

The Spain international didn’t feature for Real Sociedad versus Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and MARCA have revealed that Merino is close to leaving the club for Arsenal.

He is expected to become a key figure at the Emirates Stadium, likely in a left central midfield role.

Viktor Gyokeres reminder

Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres sent a reminder to Arsenal by scoring a brace during Sporting CP’s 6-1 win over Nacional on Saturday.

The former Coventry City bagsman is one of the Gunners’ summer targets, although rumours of a move to north London have died down in recent weeks.

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However, Gyokeres proved he is still one of the best strikers in Europe as Arsenal continue to be linked with a new number nine.

Theo Walcott wants Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins

Arsenal legend Theo Walcott has admitted that he would love his former side to sign a new centre-forward this summer, even though it isn’t a necessity.

During a Sky Sports event, Walcott said: “I don’t think they [Arsenal] need a striker to win the league, but I’d love to see someone like Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins come in to push the other players. I really think they’ve got the squad to do it.”

Jakub Kiwior to leave?

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior could leave the club this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mikel Arteta didn’t include the Poland international for the Gunners’ opening game of the Premier League season and an exit is certainly on the cards.

Romano admitted (as per Caught Offside): “There’s a serious possibility for Kiwior to leave but my sources guarantee to me that as of today, there are no concrete talks with any particular club.

“It’s not the case of one specific club already being in negotiations for Kiwior at this moment in time. My understanding, though, is that Kiwior would love to return to Italy.”

Arsenal will have Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu as left-back options if Kiwior departs.

Aaron Ramsdale latest

Aaron Ramsdale remains an Arsenal player, although Ajax are interested in signing him on a season-long loan deal.

Furthermore, Romano has revealed that he expects movement regarding Ramsdale in the next few days.

Ivan Toney hope

Ivan Toney was omitted from Brentford’s matchday squad to face Crystal Palace amid ongoing rumours of a summer exit.

The England international has been heavily linked with a shock switch to the Saudi Pro League in recent days, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also known admirers.

Ahead of their Premier League opener, Thomas Frank said: “Things are happening for Ivan Toney so we decided not to involve him in the squad”.

“There’s interest, nothing closed yet but things are happening.”