ARSENAL are ready to ship out players to balance the books as they close in on Mikel Merino.
The Spanish midfielder, 28, missed Real Sociedad’s LaLiga opener and club chiefs have confirmed they are in talks over a transfer.
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After a £21.5million offer was snubbed, the Gunners are preparing a £30m package to seal a deal.
But they are aware of their Premier League rivals falling foul of profitability and sustainability rules, so are looking to offset the purchase with a “major sale”, claim The Athletic.
Nottingham Forest are chasing a move for Eddie Nketiah, with Arsenal wanting at least £30m to sanction an exit.
And The Athletic report that Wolves have offered to take Aaron Ramsdale on loan with an option to buy next summer.
The North Londoners are keen to secure a permanent transfer instead.
Academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe netted the Gunners £34m in profit when he joined Fulham.
While Brooke Norton-Cuffy moved to Genoa for over £3.5m in a deal that includes a sell-on fee.
Former Newcastle ace Merino has one year remaining on his contract and played a pivotal role for Spain in Germany this summer.
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Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford’s opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season due to transfer interest from elsewhere.
Newcastle have reportedly made a fourth bid worth £65million for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Chelsea are in talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a permanent move for Joao Felix.
Should an agreement be reached, it could resurrect the sale of Conor Gallagher to the Spanish giants.
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Last season the midfielder made 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad, scoring eight goals.
Sporting director Edu has flown out to Spain to help get a move over the line.
And Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that talks are underway with the Gunners and a deal is possible.
According to journalist Chris Wheatley, he said: “Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up [Arsenal].
“When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes.
“We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].”
The Gunners have already secured Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42m and made David Raya’s loan move from Brentford permanent.
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