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Arsenal set to make late transfer dash for forward after sealing Mikel Merino in third signing of the summer

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ARSENAL are hoping to launch a late surge for a forward this week after a busy week in the transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to announce the £32.6million arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in the coming days after the Spaniard, 28, underwent a medical in London.

2020 Soccrates Images B.V.
Arsenal have all-but sealed the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad[/caption]
Reuters
Mikel Arteta is now eyeing a late transfer move for a forward before the window closes[/caption]

Merino has already signed his four-year deal with the club ahead of the deal being announced, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Hale End academy striker Eddie Nketiah, 25, meanwhile is close to securing a £30m exit to Crystal Palace having been given permission to undergo a medical at Selhurst Park.

Boss Mikel Arteta has already admitted the club is a “bit short” in attacking areas, especially with Gabriel Jesus needing an MRI scan on an injured groin that saw him miss the 2-0 win away at Aston Villa on Saturday.

But Arsenal are keen to get several other deals – Merino and Nketiah – over the line before stepping up attempts to recruit up front, ideally a versatile winger.

Links to Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams have been reported but a move for him is unlikely given the finances of the deal – especially in terms of wages.

Arsenal are looking at numerous options having also received £27m up front from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe already this window.

With Merino confirmed, Arsenal’s total summer spending will exceed £100m having also spent £27m on keeper David Raya and £42m on defender Riccardo Calafiori.

He could make his debut as early as this weekend in his new club’s final match before the international break.

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The Gunners will be looking to make it three wins from three in the Premier League at home to Brighton, who also have a 100 per cent record.

Meanwhile, several first-team players have left the Emirates Stadium.

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Chelsea’s bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is being held up by his extraordinary £500,000-a-week demands, SunSport can exclusively reveal.

Raheem Sterling is in talks with Aston Villa as he nears a Chelsea exit, according to reports.

Elsewhere, we have the very latest on Newcastle‘s pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the £29.9m signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.

Fabio Vieira is the latest departure to follow Smith Rowe out the club after sealing a loan return to Porto.

However, the move does not include a buy option for the midfielder.

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates