Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Spanish ace waiting for Gunners; club suffer Julian Alvarez blow, and more - August 6, 2024

Arsenal are looking to add more quality to their squad after completing a move for defender Riccardo Calafiori last month. Manager Mikel Arteta has also retained goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal this summer.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is eagerly waiting to move to the Emirates this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez this year.

On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on August 6, 2024:

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Mikel Merino waiting for Arsenal

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is waiting to complete a move to Arsenal this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Recent reports have suggested that the player has agreed a move to the Emirates this summer.

The Spaniard was an omnipresent figure under Imanol Alguacil at Real Sociedad last season. Merino registered eight goals and five assists in 45 games across competitions and was also part of the La Roja squad that won Euro 2024.

Arteta is looking for a new midfielder this summer to partner Declan Rice and has zeroed in on the 28-year-old. The manager has preferred to target younger players in recent transfer windows but is ready to make an exception for his countryman.

However, the Gunners are yet to submit an offer for Merino this summer. The north London side are in talks with their Spanish counterparts to facilitate a deal. With the player in the final year of his contract, a move could materialise for £26 million.

The 28-year-old looking forward to joining Arsenal this year. Barcelona are also hot on his heels, but Merino will consider a move to Camp Nou only if the transfer to the Emirates doesn't materialise.

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Gunners suffer Julian Alvarez blow

Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, according to reputed journalist David Ornstein. Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are eyeing a move for the 24-year-old.

The Gunners are in the market for a proven No. 9, and Alvarez has apparently popped up on their radar. The Argentinean has established himself in world football in recent years but remains behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order at Manchester City.

Alvarez recently hinted that he could be open to a move away from the Etihad this summer. The north London side are apparently attentive to the situation and are hoping to station the 23-year-old as the focal point of Arteta's attack.

However, Los Rojiblancos have now poured cold water over their plans. City will be wary of strengthening Arsenal and have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid instead. The La Liga giants will pay £82 million - including add-ons and bonuses - to bring the Argentinean to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium this summer.

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Arsenal eyeing Victor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal have reignited their interest in Viktor Gyokeres, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Arteta is looking to add an established No. 9 to his roster before the end of the summer.

The Gunners were initially planning a move for Napoli's Victor Osimhen this year, but the player's €112 million release clause has forced them to look elsewhere. Gyokeres has long been on the north London side's radar, and they are now planning to move for him this summer.

The Swedish striker was in top form for Sporting in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games across competitions. Arteta is pleased with his efforts and is looking to bring him to the Emirates.

The manager has previously tasted defeat in his pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, who opted to stay at RB Leipzig this summer. Arteta's plans to move for Julian Alvarez haven't been fruitful either. As such, the manager is pushing to secure a move for Gyokeres.

The 26-year-old reportedly has an £86 million release clause in his deal but is likely to be available for less this summer.