Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Bournemouth eyeing English ace, club advised to sign Raheem Sterling, and more - August 13, 2024

Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad to aid in their pursuit of Premier League glory in the upcoming season. Mikel Arteta has already signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this year.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have set their sights on an English forward. Elsewhere, the Gunners have been advised to move for Raheem Sterling this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from August 13, 2024.

Bournemouth eyeing Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah

Bournemouth have entered the race to sign Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English forward is no longer part of Arsenal's plans and will be allowed to leave this year.

Marseille were in talks to sign the 25-year-old earlier this summer. The player had apparently agreed to a move, but the move broke down as the Ligue 1 giants refused to match the Gunners' €30m asking price.

Marseille have since signed Elye Wahi from Lens, effectively ending their interest in Nketiah. However, the 25-year-old is not short of options, with Bournemouth now hot on his heels.

The Cherries have been thrust into action this summer following Dominic Solanke's move to Tottenham Hotspur. Nketiah has been identified as a replacement for his countryman at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth have already held initial talks to sign the player this year.

Gunners advised to sign Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Darren Bent has advised Arsenal to target Raheem Sterling this summer. The 29-year-old is no longer guaranteed a first team place at Chelsea following the arrival of Enzo Maresca.

Sterling scored ten goals and set up eight more in 43 games across competitions last season. The Englishman has blown hot and cold since arriving at Stamford Bridge a couple of summers ago and is likely to leave this year.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent insisted that Sterling could add depth to the Gunners' squad.

“And he is only 29, I think I would take him at Arsenal, Sterling. I would take him. I tell you what?! He is only 29! I am not saying he starts every game, but to have him. Not instead of (Martinelli) because they have to compete for that position,” said Bent.

He continued:

“As it stands right now, Martinelli (should start ahead of Sterling). But, come on! Sterling on the left, he is only 29, people talk about Sterling like he is 35. He has been in the game for a long time.”

Sterling's contract with the Blues runs until 2027.

Arsenal confident of securing Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino

Arsenal remain confident of securing the services of Mikel Merino this summer, according to Football Insider. The Gunners are looking for a new midfielder this year and have their eyes on the Spaniard.

Merino has been in superb form for club and country of late and has impressed the Emirates hierarchy. The 28-year-old is apparently willing to join Mikel Arteta's roster this summer. However, the north London side are yet to reach an agreement with Real Sociedad for the move.

Liverpool's recent interest in Merino's teammate Martin Zubimendi has raised doubts about the move. There are concerns that the San Sebastián club might not be ready to lose two midfielders in the same transfer window.

However, it now appears that Liverpool's pursuit of Zubimendi is unlikely to affect Arsenal's plans. Sociedad are apparently willing to cash in on both players this year. Interestingly, Merino's contract with the La Liga club expires in 2025.