Arsenal set for 'progress' over priority transfer target as Crystal Palace 'set to bid'

The countdown is already on to the new season with around a month to go until the big kick-off. The Gunners will be hoping to go one better in their bid to land a Premier League title this season, and many fancy them to go all the way.

But competition will be as rife as ever, and the Gunners are going to need to add some quality in key areas to make sure they don’t fall just short again. Here we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Merino ‘talks’

Arsenal are said to be in talks over a possible deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Sport say the Gunners believe the Spain Euro 2024 star will be a perfect addition to their midfield, and it’s believed a deal can be done between £20million and £25million.

Merino only has a year remaining on his current contract, and if he decides to move on, it’s unlikely La Real will stand in his way. But the Basque club are also will also likely pay a large wage if he does want to stay at the club.

Merino said of his future this summer: "I've always said that any rumors about me are positive because it shows that Real Sociedad is doing things right. It's good to have players in the spotlight. But I don't give it much importance. My focus is on winning the European Championship, everything else is a distraction from the main goal." He added: "I leave those matters to my agent, I don't pay attention to rumors. My teammates ask me about it, but I don't dwell on it. Until there's something concrete, I won't be bothered. The rumors will stay as they are."

Smith Rowe latest

Crystal Palace are set to bid for Arsenal fringe star Emile Smith Rowe, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners are said to be willing to offload Smith Rowe this summer, with the attacker likely to be offloaded for around £30million to £35million.

Romano tweeted: “Understand Crystal Palace are set to bid for Emile Smith-Rowe. Fulham had proposal rejected by Arsenal this week and Palace now set to try, as Oliver Glasner really wants him. Crystal Palace will also decide soon whether they will sign Ryan Sessegnon or not.”

Calafiori latest

Transfer insider Dean Jones has been speaking about Arsenal’s pursuit of Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori as talks go on over the fee involved in the deal. Jones told Ranks FC Ultras Podcast: “I spoke to someone last night and asked if this deal is still going through and he said ‘yeah, we’re not worried about this.’ Maybe it’s just a negotiation factor and details around the fee. I expect a proper update on Calafiori on Friday.”

“The contact seemed so confident that it felt like something is imminent in terms of progress. Based on the conversation I had I’m going to say Calafiori and Arsenal will have some sort of news around it on Friday.”