BREAKING: Arsenal Get GREEN LIGHT for Mikel Merino Transfer!

Sociedad Makes a Move for Merino as Nwaneri Contract Talks Emerge

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Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been relatively calm so far, with only two major additions to the first team. However, the Gunners remain hopeful of securing more signings before the window closes.

David Raya’s loan deal has been made permanent with a £27 million transfer from Brentford. Riccardo Calafiori has joined from Bologna for around £42 million. Moreover, Tommy Setford has been signed from Ajax for £1 million, though he is expected to feature for the Under-21s this season.

In terms of exits, Emile Smith Rowe has transferred to Fulham in a deal worth about £27 million, plus an extra £7 million in potential add-ons. The 24-year-old has already netted in his first two matches for the Cottagers.

Arsenal is anticipated to bring in more players before the transfer window closes. Mikel Arteta is specifically looking to add a new midfielder and another forward, with more players potentially leaving the club.

With this in mind, football.london reviews some of the latest Arsenal news and rumors circulating in the past 24 hours.

Nwaneri Contract Extension

According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal is planning to offer Ethan Nwaneri a new contract. The 17-year-old, who signed a deal in March 2026 upon turning 17—the maximum allowed at his age—is already in discussions for an extension that would keep him at the Emirates until at least 2030.

FL Comment: This is a wise move by the Gunners. Nwaneri is one of the most promising talents in English football, and securing him on a long-term contract is vital. He has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the coming years, and Arteta is likely to give him more first-team opportunities this season to further his development.

Merino’s Future

Real Sociedad is making a final push to retain Arsenal target Mikel Merino this summer, according to reports from Spain.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa reports that the club has offered both Merino and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi the chance to become the highest-paid players in the squad. However, it appears their efforts may be futile.

FL Comment: Arsenal is in urgent need of a new midfielder this summer, and Merino seems like the perfect fit to bolster that area, given his Champions League experience and profile. Despite the strong performances of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard in midfield against Lyon, there still appears to be a missing piece—someone like Merino. Arteta should make every effort to complete this deal, despite Sociedad’s attempts to keep him.

This summer is shaping up to be crucial at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal looks to make the necessary changes to provide Mikel Arteta with a squad capable of surpassing Manchester City and winning the Premier League title.