Merino to Arsenal and six transfers that could happen TODAY

Updated: 26 Aug 2024 11:51 BST
5 min read

Mikel Merino, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

With the summer transfer window's end fast approaching, clubs and agents work hard to ensure their clients and players start the new season in the best possible way.

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Indeed, for clubs, this period is critical, as they aim to strengthen their squads, fill gaps, and offload surplus players to balance the books and comply with financial regulations.

For the players themselves, meanwhile, it’s a time of opportunity, with the prospect of a move to a bigger club, increased playing time, or a step up in competition. Or, simply, a distraction.

Here FootballTransfers goes through six deals that could be finalised - and even announced - today.

Manuel Ugarte to Man Utd

Manuel Ugarte is edging closer to a move to Manchester United. Probably by now you're sick of the daily updates, that a deal looks very possible, or that the player is pushing for the transfer. Not to blow our own trumpet but FootballTransfers was among the first to reveal that Paris Saint-Germain would be open to a loan with an obligation clause attached.

© IMAGO - Manuel Ugarte remains a PSG player

The French outfit have remained staunch in their €60 million valuation so far, however, that can only go so far as Ugarte has been dropped from the PSG squad for two consecutive games now. Personal terms won't be a problem between the midfielder and the Red Devils, but it's just about the two clubs finding common ground over a fee.

Romelu Lukaku to Napoli

Chelsea have accepted an offer from Napoli for striker Romelu Lukaku, seemingly bringing an end to months of negotiations.

Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano have reported that the Italian outfit have finalised a deal worth €30m plus up to €15m in add-ons for the striker.

Sporting director Giovanni Manna met with Chelsea directors late last week and now the move has been green-lighted.

Scott McTominay to Napoli

Napoli have also wrapped up a deal to sign Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay, according to Ornstein, who has reported that Napoli will pay around €30 million.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€11M - €18.4M

The 27-year-old is yet to agree personal terms but an agreement between the two clubs has been reached. His deal at Old Trafford is due to expire in 2025, although Man Utd have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

McTominay has been with Man Utd throughout his career, having graduated from the club's academy. His goals proved vital last season but Erik ten Hag is looking to cash in.

Mikel Merino to Arsenal

Arsenal are preparing for the announcement of Mikel Merino. The midfielder has completed his move from Real Sociedad and is set to be unveiled as a Gunners player this week.

Romano has revealed the details regarding his contract and fee. On X, formerly known as Twitter, he posted: "Mikel Merino has completed his medical as new Arsenal player with clubs exchanging documents, deal being sealed.

"€32m fixed fee, €5m add-ons and contract until June 2028 plus option for further season."

Kepa Arrizabalaga to Bournemouth

© IMAGO - Arrizabalaga was on loan with Real Madrid last season

Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Bournemouth from Chelsea on loan until June 2025. The Spaniard was on loan with Real Madrid last season but he is now edging very close to a move to the Vitality Stadium.

TeamTalk reporter Fraseer Gillian relayed the information after a deal was struck. The Blues are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department and now he is set for an exit from Stamford Bridge.

Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus

It's been an arduous saga but Sportitalia reports Juventus and Atalanta had a positive meeting earlier this month regarding Teun Koopmeiners.

Gianluca Di Marzio has said that now Juventus making progress for the Dutchman as they look to make further additions to Thiago Motta’s squad.

The likes of Pierre Kalulu, Nico Gonzalez, and Francisco Conceicao have arrived, but they still want a midfielder. And Di Marzio has said that Koopmeiners’ arrival is only a matter of time.