Welcome to the dedicated Arsenal blog from football.london. Here, we'll have all the latest news and transfers from the Emirates Stadium.
It was a successful afternoon for Mikel Arteta and his men yesterday afternoon as they stormed to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park to exact their revenge on former manager Unai Emery.
Goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey were enough to keep the Gunners' perfect Premier League season going as they landed their second win but there continues to be a lot of talk of the possible comings and goings at Arsenal as we now enter the final week of the 2024 summer transfer window. It seems that there will be at least one new face before the deadline.
A £34 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is moving closer with the final details of his transfer set to be completed. He has been a priority target for Arteta this summer with Arsenal seemingly getting their man.
Arsenal continue to be linked with players, which is likely to be the case right up until Friday's deadline. Ademola Lookman is one of the latest, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Gunners were ready to offer a swap deal including Jakub Kiwior, it does however look like the former Everton man is heading to Paris Saint Germain.
Eyes will also be on the exit door in the final days. Kiwior is one who could leave before the end of the window, while Eddie Nketiah looks to be closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest.
Follow below for all the latest Arsenal transfer updates, stay with us throughout the day!
Isaac Seelochan
Martinez shares Arsenal transfer verdict
Emi Martinez has suggested that Aaron Ramsdale should consider a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers because Arsenal may not be the best place for him.
Martinez, 31, left the Gunners for Aston Villa in 2020 after a decade of being on the fringes and following Mikel Arteta's decision to favour Bernd Leno. Ramsdale replaced Leno a year after Martinez left but was displaced in goal by David Raya last season.
As such, Ramsdale made just six Premier League appearances, predominantly when Raya was ineligible to play against his parent club, Brentford. But after the Spain international completed a permanent move this summer, Ramsdale will no longer be afforded those opportunities.
Read more here
Isaac Seelochan
Arsenal transfer priority clear
It had seemed as though we were in for a relatively predictable final week of the window for Arsenal. Mikel Merino’s arrival is a matter of time, while Eddie Nketiah would be heading to Nottingham Forest. There were a few questions on Aaron Ramsdale’s future and the need for a back up if he does leave, while an extra forward would be a cherry on the cake if it could be secured.
On Thursday though, that all changed…
“In the training session, just at the end (Gabriel Jesus) felt something in his groin,” Arteta confirmed. “We’ll need to assess him. We need to have an MRI scan to see, but he wasn’t available for the game.
“Probably tomorrow or Monday we’ll have the results to see if it’s a matter of days or weeks. We don’t know.”
The injury has the potential to flip Arsenal’s transfer strategy on its head. If Nketiah does leave then Arsenal’s attacking options suddenly look very slim without Jesus. Kai Havertz has been superb up front, while Leandro Trossard can play there, but if this win at Villa taught us anything it’s that the ability to change games from the bench is vital.
Read more here
Isaac Seelochan
Major Mikel Merino transfer update
Arsenal have been given the latest major update in their attempt to finally tie Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino down to a contract as the Gunners try to bolster their ranks before Friday's transfer window deadline.
The 28-year-old is set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a deal that will cost Mikel Arteta's side around £31.5m, including add-ons, with Merino ready to pen a four-year deal with a one-year extension clause written in. It's believed he first caught the attention of Arsenal after his impressive Euro 2024 tournament with winners Spain, as he played in every game for La Roja on their way to a record fourth European Championship title.
However, despite all the reports surrounding his obvious and imminent arrival at Arsenal, Arteta is adamant to not speak about his compatriot's arrival, claiming last week: "No [update]. I cannot talk about any player that's not with us. There's still time in the market. Both ways. For all the managers, for all the teams here. You can see it's getting very busy.
"I don't know soon. The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that's all."
More here
Isaac Seelochan
Arsenal's ideal late signing
Arsenal are casting their net wide in their hunt for new attacking talent before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have secured a deal to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an initial £28.4million, with an additional £4.2m in add-ons. Now, one of Mikel Arteta's priorities is to secure a wide player, with several players being considered.
Nico Williams, another star of Spain's Euro 2024 squad, has been on Arsenal's radar for some time. He perfectly fits the profile of player Arteta is looking for, but reports suggest the youngster would prefer to stay with Athletic Club for at least another season, potentially eyeing a future move to Barcelona.
Despite Williams' apparent preference to stay in Spain, Arsenal, who are willing to meet his £48million release clause, could make one last-ditch attempt to tempt the 22-year-old to sign. However, he's not the only wide player on their extensive target list.
Read more here
Isaac Seelochan
Palace 'considering' Nketiah move
With a move to Nottingham Forest reportedly falling through, it is now being reported that Crystal Palace are considering a move for Nketiah.
Palace previously showed an interest in the Arsenal striker and could now revive their interest and secure a transfer before Friday's deadline.
The Eagles will also have plenty of PSR wiggle room having sold Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen and with Marc Guehi potentially on the way out as well.
Crystal Palace considering move to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. 25yo did not proceed with Nottingham Forest switch despite #NFFC + #AFC agreeing fee up to £30m. Now #CPFC looking into deal having previously held talks @TheAthleticFC post @BobbyManzi https://t.co/opok0JvrVr
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 25, 2024
KEY EVENT
Nketiah move 'breaks down'
Eddie Nketiah's proposed move to Nottingham Forest has reportedly broken down.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that a £30m deal was in place for the striker but that has now fallen through. He adds that a transfer is still expected to materialise elsewhere though.
Whilst the 25-year-old has been a good servant for the club, it's clear that his future now lies elsewhere as Arteta looks to improve his squad further. With Arsenal's one in and one out policy, the Gunners may not be able to strengthen without Nketiah's sale.
Eddie Nketiah proposed move to Nottingham Forest has broken down. Deal in place between #NFFC & #AFC worth up to £30m but agreement could not be closed with 25yo striker. Transfer still expected to materialise elsewhere before window ends @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/z2qCRdytcp
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 25, 2024
Matty Hewitt
Arsenal told to sign Premier League forward that's 'better than Jesus'
Former Arsenal centre-back William Gallas believes Arsenal should be going all out to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
He told Gambling Zone: "For Arsenal, I like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. He has the pace you need to have as a striker and with a player like Martin Odegaard in behind him it would just be magnificent, think of all the assists. I think he can spearhead Arsenal to the title.
"It’s so difficult to defend against players like Ollie Watkins because he’s so clever with his runs, with Odegaard they would do so much damage. If I was at Arsenal I’d choose him and he’s better than Jesus."
Matty Hewitt
Nottingham Forest make fresh approach for €33m Arsenal target
Nottingham Forest have made a fresh approach to sign Feyenoord forward Santiago Giménez in the region of €33m.
The Mexican striker was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier on in the transfer window but it's Nottingham Forest who are closing in on a deal to sign the 23-year-old.
Nottingham Forest make fresh Santiago Gimenez approach
Matty Hewitt
Thomas Frank addresses Ivan Toney future after Brentford absence
Thomas Frank says the situation with Ivan Toney is as it was last week with the Brentford forward left out of the Bees' matchday squad to face Liverpool.
It's the second week in a row the England international has been left out of proceedings with doubts over his future at the club.
Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs to have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old striker with Frank giving an update prior to their game against the Reds.
"The status is the same as last week. Things are going on with transfer speculation so the decision is the same. He is training well, there is no problem. I’d rather focus on the game and the players that are playing instead of talking about him."
Matty Hewitt
Arsenal's ideal late signing has £48m release clause and Gunners could tempt him
Arsenal are casting their net wide in their hunt for new attacking talent before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have secured a deal to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an initial £28.4million, with an additional £4.2m in add-ons. Now, one of Mikel Arteta's priorities is to secure a wide player, with several players being considered.
Nico Williams, another star of Spain's Euro 2024 squad, has been on Arsenal's radar for some time. He perfectly fits the profile of player Arteta is looking for, but reports suggest the youngster would prefer to stay with Athletic Club for at least another season, potentially eyeing a future move to Barcelona.
Despite Williams' apparent preference to stay in Spain, Arsenal, who are willing to meet his £48million release clause, could make one last-ditch attempt to tempt the 22-year-old to sign. However, he's not the only wide player on their extensive target list.
As per the Independent's Reading the Game Newsletter, the Gunners have made enquiries about at least 10 wide players in recent weeks. If they can't tempt Williams, who would be seen as a first-team regular, they could turn their attention to a less high-profile, more affordable player.
You can read more here.
Oliver Jones
Neville hails Zinchenko
Gary Neville has hailed Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko as someone that can give the Gunners brilliant depth as they get deeper into the 24/25 Premier League season.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville suggested that the Ukranian will be truly ‘fantastic’ against bottom-half Premier League teams, saying: "Zinchenko will still play his role; when you’re playing against – and I’m not being disrespectful – but the bottom six teams, the bottom 10 teams.
"You know you’re going to have an absolute mountain of possession at home and you’re going to have to work hard to probe and poke the ball through in tight spaces, Zinchenko is going to be fantastic in those matches.
"He looked a little bit disappointed, Zinchenko, in the start of the game because he wants to play but again, he will contribute enormously with his spirit, with his personality but also on the pitch as well in certain games."
Matty Hewitt
Arsenal dream Victor Osimhen transfer outcome as Mikel Arteta plans revealed in huge admission
Despite Arsenal seemingly being done for the summer (at least in terms of incomings), Mikel Arteta has thrown a late spanner in the works. Coming from a position of strength after the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, the boss dropped somewhat of a bombshell.
"We are a little bit short," he admitted afterwards. "If we can do something we will do it. We need good availability from everybody, we don't have 23 outfield players and normally you have to be equipped like that."
Perhaps the need for more was exaggerated after Gabriel Jesus missed the game with an injury, or maybe it was the parallel sight of a bench that didn't pack much of a punch. Either way, the door for movement into the Emirates Stadium is still very much open.
Read how our writer Tom Coley thinks a dream transfer window would pan out for Arteta and Arsenal.
Matty Hewitt
Arsenal given latest major Mikel Merino transfer update as Mikel Arteta sent £30m medical message
Arsenal have been given the latest major update in their attempt to finally tie Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino down to a contract as the Gunners try to bolster their ranks before Friday's transfer window deadline.
The 28-year-old is set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a deal that will cost Mikel Arteta's side around £31.5m, including add-ons, with Merino ready to pen a four-year deal with a one-year extension clause written in. It's believed he first caught the attention of Arsenal after his impressive Euro 2024 tournament with winners Spain, as he played in every game for La Roja on their way to a record fourth European Championship title.
He also helped his club reach the knockout stages of the Champions League where they lost 4-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain, with Merino grabbing the only goal over both legs following his earlier contribution in their 3-1 group stage win over Benfica.
It'll be his second stint in England having previously arrived at Newcastle United under Rafa Benitez back in 2017, where he spent two seasons. He ended up making 25 appearances for the Magpies before joining Sociedad on a permanent deal in July 2018.
You can read more here.
Oliver Jones
Liverpool warned of Arsenal failure
Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson believes Liverpool's failure to sign a midfielder this summer means they will struggle to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal this season.
The Gunners have already signed Riccardo Calafiori this summer and are about to land Mikel Merino before Friday's deadline after the midfielder completed his medical at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend.
Taliing to Sportskeeda, Merson claimed: "Arne Slot has yet to sign a new midfielder and I know they can get dominated in that area when they go to places like Manchester City and Arsenal. That's when I maybe worry about Liverpool a little bit."
Matty Hewitt
Is David Raya Arsenal's best bit of business this summer?
A brilliant performance from David Raya yesterday only justified the decision to sign him on a permanent deal earlier in the window.
Is he the best permanent signing of the summer so far?
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 25, 2024"You don't change your keeper often but when you do you've got to get it right - City did that with Ederson, it looks like Arsenal have done that with Raya"
Vicky Gomersall, Darren Lewis and Kaveh Solhekol discuss David Raya's performance against Villa yesterday pic.twitter.com/JXGD7nPqmC
Oliver Jones
Arsenal handed title chances
Arsenal have been told they're ste to finish runners-up in the Premier League title race yet again to Manchester City - at least according to ex-Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen.
The Gunners suffered a heartbreaking end to their last campaign when they missed out on their first league trophy in 20 years by just two points and Owen believes it'll be a similar story to last season.
Speaking to Prime Casino, he explained: "Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool is my top three but I don’t think there is a standout for fourth. Probably the big question is how many titles Liverpool would have won over the last few years if Pep Guardiola wasn't City manager.
"To win only one title with that great team, that just shows you how good Manchester City have been. Let's just say one or two less if Fergie was in charge at Manchester United, I'm sure."
Oliver Jones
Managing Arsenal: Merino transfer, £50m boost, Gyokeres bonus
The summer transfer window is almost over with Arsenal and their rivals having just a matter of days to conclude their summer business.
The Gunners have added so far added two senior signings to their squad since the end of last season. David Raya made his loan move from Brentford while Riccardo Calafiori joined from Bologna after an impressive Euros campaign with Italy.
Clubs have until 11pm on Friday, August 31 to complete their business with teams working hard on both incomings and outgoings. For Mikel Arteta, concentration will be on matters on the pitch.
But what could the last few days of the window look like for Arsenal? football.london have taken a look at some of the things that could happen if we were in charge of the Gunners.
Read how our writer Amie Wilson would take on the remaining days of the transfer window at Arsenal...
Oliver Jones
Arteta hints at striker transfer
After yesterday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta claimed that whilst he's happy with the current squad he has at his disposal, they're still 'a bit short' in the striker department following an injury to forntman Gabriel Jesus in training this week.
The Spaniard claimed: "We are really happy with the squad. It’s true we had an injury with Gabriel Jesus and we missed him. We are a little bit short and if we can do something then we will do it."
Oliver Jones
Mikel Merino medical complete
Accoridng to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Merino has completed his medical with Arsenal and is now set to join the Gunners before their game against Brighton this weekend.
It's been a lengthy saga in order to get the Real Sociedad star to arrive at the Emirates Stadium but taking their time has worked out for Mikel Arteta who now looks to have another excellent midfielder to work with.
Oliver Jones
Neville admits Raya mistake
Gayr Neville has claimed he accepts he might have been wrong last season when he questioned Mikel Arteta's appraoch for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya after the Arsenal shot-stopper pulled off a number of wonder saves against Aston Villa yesterday.
Speaking after the game, he claimed: "To be honest with you, the only thing, I mean, I complained at the time. What I complained about was this idea that you have two number ones and that they compete for a place. I don’t believe that happens
"But what they’ve done with the goalkeepers, I think, in what he’s done with Raya, is such an important position, it is vital.
"If you have uncertainty in your goal, you’ve got a real problem. And David Raya has had a brilliant move. Obviously, the move was completed this last summer that we’ve just gone through, but he’s definitely now the number one. In the end, it’s proven to be the right decision."
Oliver Jones
Good morning
Morning Arsenal fans, that was a nice bit of revenge yesterday wasn't it? The Gunners finally got back at Unai Emery and his Aston Villa side thanks to second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.
It means they stay within touching distance with title rivals Manchester City who now lead the league following their huge 4-1 win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town a few hours before Arsenal's own win.
But now we look to the future - who will Arsenal snap up in the last week of the transfer window? There's just five days left of business as deadline day looms on Friday night. Will the Gunners land Victor Osimhen? You can find out first by keeping up-to-date on our football.london live blog right here...
In case you missed them, here are some of yesterday's top stories:
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa - Raya and Trossard superb but one player disappointing
Arsenal hero is now worth £10billion after quitting law degree to become footballer
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Trossard impact, Raya save and Nketiah's Arsenal future
Matthew Abbott
Man City get huge 115 charges warning with new punishment verdict amid Arsenal wait
Andy Gray is adamant that Manchester City could face a 'massive' points deduction and firmly believes the only outcome will be a guilty verdict in the Premier League's forthcoming trial. As the current champions, who have clinched five of the previous six Premier League titles, City are awaiting an intense legal showdown later this year.
Already into their second campaign since the Premier League accused them of violating financial regulations more than 100 times across a decade, Manchester City's rise to the top of English football has been under scrutiny. Whereas other financial cases might have been concluded during the 2023/24 season, City's own significant issues remain unresolved.
Read the full story
Matthew Abbott
Nketiah verdict
Glenn Murray has told Radio 5 Live that Eddie Nketiah can suceed at Nottingham Forest and become worth much more than the £30million that Arsenal are set to receive.
I think he needs a club that’s going to show him love, that are going to play him week in week out regardless if he plays bad or not. They are just going to say, ‘you know what, 10 games, just go and have 10 games and do everything you can, score goals, make mistakes, whatever it takes’.
I think if someone invests that time in him and that love in him, then he will be a success and he will be worth a lot more money.
Matthew Abbott
'Crazy' Eze price
Arsenal have reportedly been put off by the "crazy" asking price Crystal Palace are asking for Eberechi Eze.
The Independent's Reading the Game newsletter claims the Gunners are one of the clubs deterred by what Palace want for the England international. However, Liverpool and Manchester City are seemingly not daunted as Palace are reputedly braced for bids from both clubs.
Despite such speculation, Eze played the full 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon during the Eagles' 2-0 defeat to West Ham United, their second straight loss to start the new Premier League season. They lost 2-1 to Brentford in another London derby on the opening weekend.
Matthew Abbott
Guardiola makes fresh Man City 115 charges admission ahead of Financial Fair Play hearing
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed he wants the investigation into the club's alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play to end as soon as possible for the benefit of the entire Premier League.
The Citizens have 115 charges hanging over their name which were announced back in February last year, five-and-a-half years since allegations were made by the German investigative website Der Spiegel. With 54 counts of 'Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 to and including 2017/18' the most important charge alleged against the club, supporters of clubs across the country and some in the media believe relegation from the Premier League would be on the cards if they're found guilty.
Read more from Guardiola
Matthew Abbott
Vieira verdict
Darren Bent told talkSPORT this afternoon that Arsenal are making the right decision by sending Fabio Vieira out on loan.
I think Fabio Vieira has to (leave). He did better at the start of last year, but not great.
There are still options. Jorginho is still there, they’ve got Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Nwaneri, we are talking about Ethan Nwaneri, young kid.
I think there is talent there, even Trossard can go there and play as a 10. So there are options in there, but of course, we haven’t mentioned Merino coming in.
So there are options there. Trust me, he had to go and play.
Matthew Abbott
Osimhen offer expected
Arsenal reportedly remain in the background regarding a move for Victor Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also claims that Chelsea are open to possibly signing the striker, but only on loan, which Napoli are said to be entertaining. Paris Saint-Germain are expected to make its first official offer in the coming days, but that could come in at well below the £84.8million (€100m) that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reputedly wants.
Matthew Abbott
ICYMI: Why Gabriel Jesus is not in Arsenal squad
Gabriel Jesus is absent from the squad for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Brazilian had had a strong pre-season after missing out on large chunks of last season with injury. However, he has been struck by a groin problem that rules him out of today's match at Villa Park.
That means that Kai Havertz continues in the number nine role. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are either side of him in the Arsenal front line.
Read the full team news
Matthew Abbott
Arsenal 'considering opportunities on the market'
Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that Mikel Merino may not be Arsenal's final summer signing.
In terms of opportunities, I would keep, in Arsenal’s case, the door open. Still nothing imminent, still nothing closer, but Arsenal are considering opportunities on the market, so I would keep the door open for a last-minute chance.
I don't think it's going to be something very big. I see rumours on players like Nico Williams. I don't think Arsenal will do something like that, I think if they decide to do something, it's going to be something for a back-up and opportunity in the final days.
Matthew Abbott
Lookman left out
Ademola Lookman is not in the Atalanta squad for the second straight Serie A match.
The forward has not played for the Italian club since the UEFA Super Cup ten days ago. Lookman missed their season-opener against Lecce five days later and will now also not feature versus Torino tomorrow evening.
Fabrizio Romano says that Lookman's situation is something the club are discussing internally. Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the former Everton player, with Paris Saint-Germain another club reputedly keen on the player who impressed so much en route to Atalanta winning the Europa League last season.