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Arsenal will be determined to get their hands on the Premier League title this season after narrowly missing out in the past two campaigns. Mikel Arteta's side have started the season with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have pulled the plug on their pursuit of a new No. 9. Elsewhere, the north London side are willing to offload goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 19, 2024:
Arsenal end striker search
Arsenal have decided not to sign a striker this summer even if Eddie Nketiah leaves, according to Football Insider. The English forward has been deemed surplus to requirements and could be allowed to leave the Emirates this summer.
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Nketiah was initially linked with a move to Marseille before the transfer broke down. Recent reports have suggested that Everton have their eyes on the 25-year-old as a possible replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Gunners, meanwhile, were expected to sign a new No. 9. They were hot on the heels of Benjamin Sesko, who opted to stay at RB Leipzig. The north London side have also been linked with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.
However, it appears that Arsenal are now happy with the options at their disposal and won't sign a new frontman. Kai Havertz has been impressive in the role last season and is expected to continue this year. Arteta also has Gabriel Jesus in his roster for the position.
Gunners plan Aaron Ramsdale exit
Aaron Ramsdale could leave Arsenal before the end of the summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Englishman is no longer the No. 1 at the Emirates, with David Raya now Arteta's preferred option between the sticks.
The Spaniard was exceptional last season on loan from Brentford and has made his stay permanent this summer. Ramsdale is now expected to leave this year in search of regular game time.
On his YouTube channel, Romano added that the north London side have identified Espanyol's Joan Garcia as the Englishman's potential replacement.
“I expect some movement also in the next days for Aaron Ramsdale. Aaron Ramsdale is on the list of some clubs. There are some possibilities for him.
"Arsenal are insisting on a permanent transfer but let’s see if they will find a way for this one or not. But, for sure, on Ramsdale, there could be movement," said Romano.
He continued:
“Arsenal are already preparing to have a new backup goalkeeper with Garcia from Espanyol, who can be a candidate for the role of backup goalkeeper behind obviously David Raya. So, this is the idea of Arsenal.”
Ramsdale is under contract at the Emirates till 2026, so the Gunners are likely to demand a fair fee to let him go.
Former player backs Mikel Merino to replace Thomas Partey at the Emirates
Mikel Merino could be an upgrade on Thomas Partey at Arsenal, according to former US international Janusz Michallik. The Gunners are locked in talks with Real Sociedad to sign the Spanish midfielder.
Arteta has apparently identified Merino as the ideal partner for Declan Rice in the heart of his midfield. The 28-year-old has reportedly agreed terms to move to the Emirates this summer.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Michallik added that Merino could provide Arteta's team a sense of security in the middle of the park.
"For me, I just don't feel secure with him (Partey). Statistically, today, he had a pretty good game. I think just enough. Although he did make a couple of big mistakes if you remember in the second half.
"Lost possession, right? I don't feel like Partey was the worst player on the pitch, but you just don't feel secure with him. He (Merino) can come in for Partey, no problem," said Michallik.
Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano recently said that the north London side are a step away from securing the services of the 28-year-old this summer.
