Keep up to date as Arsenal look set to complete £30m swoop while Chelsea continue their new striker search
Marc Mayo11 seconds ago
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Arsenal are looking to complete a £30million deal for Mikel Merino this week after agreeing a deal in principle for the Real Sociedad midfielder. Once the final terms of the fee are sealed, he will travel for a medical and link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad. Next up for the Gunners could be a deal for goalkeeper Joan Garcia, if they can find a buyer from Aaron Ramsdale, but they won’t sign a new striker.
Chelsea continue to search for a new striker, amid ongoing uncertainty over Raheem Sterling’s future, with Victor Osimhen a top target. Reports in France say PSG will not be signing the Napoli marksman, which keeps the door open for a player-plus-cash deal involving Romelu Lukaku. Joao Felix is nearing a move to Stamford Bridge for £34m, a deal which should finally see Conor Gallagher join Atletico Madrid.
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Real Sociedad explain Martin Zubimendi's Liverpool snub
Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil has given what could well be the final verdict on Martin Zubimendi’s future for this summer.
The Spanish midfielder rejected a move to Liverpool earlier this month having seemingly agreed to join the Anfield club in a deal worth around £51m.
“He has rejected an offer,” said Alguacil. “There is no doubt that Liverpool are a great club and the fact that he has said no, putting in what they put in, is a reason to be proud.
“It means that things are being done well at the club and even if such powerful clubs come, Martin says no, I’m happy, but there’s still until the [deadline]. This time it was Liverpool, but tomorrow it could be another great team, because these players have a [high] level.
“Although, for me, the biggest is Real Sociedad. I imagine he must have thought that and that is why he decided to stay.”
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Arsenal make U-turn on new striker
A new striker is no longer on Arsenal’s wishlist.
The Gunners were thought earlier in the window to want a new No9, having been linked with Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.
But Football Insider say they will not make a move given Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both look in good form at the start of the season.
Eddie Nketiah is still reportedly up for sale, and he will not be replaced if he goes.
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What Gunners will do next after Mikel Merino deal is done
Aaron Ramsdale is desperate to leave Arsenal.
That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that life as a reserve goalkeeper is becoming incredible frustrating for the England international.
Ajax have seen a loan bid rejected by Arsenal while Wolves are also said to be keen.
The Gunners would prefer a permanent sale for Ramsdale if he does leave, and Joan Garcia of Espanyol is lined up as a replacement.
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Man Utd losing faith in Manuel Ugarte deal
Manchester United are having second thoughts about signing Manuel Ugarte.
The PSG midfielder has been the subject of two rejected transfer bids earlier in the summer, as his team look to bank over £50m from a sale.
But ESPN report on United being unsure about splashing out so much given Casemiro has started the season in fine form.
It appears that PSG may have to drop their demands if they want to cash in on Ugarte.
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Spurs face right-back decision during Vanderson talks
Talks between Tottenham and Monaco are ongoing for right-back Vanderson.
A deal worth an initial £27m plus variables has been reported as the basis of the negotiations by Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade.
Spurs are in the market for a new right-back after Emerson Royal’s exit although Ange Postecoglou suggested last week that Djed Spence is a candidate to fill that spot.
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Joe Gomez on Chelsea radar amid Liverpool issue
Chelsea are contenders to sign Joe Gomez after he was left out of Liverpool’s opening game of the season.
The England defender did not travel to Saturday’s win at Ipswich to allow him to explore a move away from Anfield, according to The Times.
Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Fulham are all named as keen on Gomez, plus clubs abroad.
Bayern Munich are also contenders but Gomez will be reintegrated back into Arne Slot’s squad, where he is the fourth-choice centre-back, if he cannot find a new team.
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Chelsea boost as PSG opt against Victor Osimhen move
Paris Saint-Germain have decided not to pursue a deal for Victor Osimhen despite Goncalo Ramos’ injury blow.
The Portuguese striker will require surgery on an ankle injury suffered last week, prompting rumours that PSG will look to sign a new striker.
However, they landed Desire Doue as Kylian Mbappe’s replacement only a few days ago.
And both L‘Equipe and Foot Mercato claim that a new centre-forward is not on their radar, with Randal Kolo Muani to be entrusted to lead the line in Ramos’ absence.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a deal for Victor Osimhen, likely involving Romelu Lukaku moving in the opposite direction to Napoli.
Osimhen didn’t play as Napoli opened their season yesterday with a 3-0 defeat to Verona.
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Arsenal aim to seal Mikel Merino deal this week
Real Sociedad will send Mikel Merino to Arsenal with no hard feelings.
A transfer worth around £30m has been agreed in principle, according to multiple outlets, and a medical will be booked in once the final terms of the deal are settled.
Mundo Deportivo say La Real have been happy with Merino’s conduct throughout the protracted talks, during which he has been clear that he wants to join Arsenal.
Merino did not feature last night as Sociedad played Rayo Vallecano with personal terms already sorted between the midfielder and the Gunners.
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Transfer news LIVE!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE transfer blog!
It’s the final weeks of the summer transfer window and we have all sorts of deals still to go through, involving Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and more…
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