Arsenal 'hours away' from complete transfer agreement as Gunners star 'would love' exit

Arsenal are up and running for the season, picking up a relatively comfortable home win over Wolves in their opener. The Gunners got off the mark thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, with each of the forwards assisting each other.

Mikel Arteta will know his side have things to work on, but it was a strong start for Arsenal on the whole as they continue to build their squad. New signings are still expected before the end of the window, and here we round up all the latest surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Merino deal on the verge

Arsenal are said to be on the verge of wrapping up a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, with the two clubs having negotiated over recent weeks. According to Diario AS, a deal is now ‘a matter of hours away’, with Arsenal set to land their prime midfield target. It’s expected the deal will cost the Gunners between £25million and £30million.

Merino was left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga opener on Sunday, with Imanol Alguacil explaining: “Mikel Merino is not in the squad because I decided so. Mikel Merino is not in the squad because I decided so.”

Kiwior preference

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior looks to be surplus to requirements, and transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Poland international already has a preference on where he wants to end up.

“There’s a serious possibility for Kiwior to leave but my sources guarantee to me that as of today, there are no concrete talks with any particular club,” Romano told CaughtOffside. “It’s not the case of one specific club already being in negotiations for Kiwior at this moment in time. My understanding, though, is that Kiwior would love to return to Italy.”

Wright on Martinelli

Ian Wright was not impressed with Gabriel Martinelli’s quiet display during the win against Wolves. The Gunners legend told Premier League Productions: “This one here is a bit disappointing for me because he has got the opportunity to cut back to Declan Rice,” said Wright. “Just lay that into Declan, go 2-0 up and go in at half-time.

“I know that he’s desperate to do well because he has got Trossard on the bench. He had a poor season last year, Martinelli. But he’s trying to impress upon the manager, but give that back to Declan Rice, 2-0, and then you probably get your goal in the second half.”