Fabrizio Romano issues concerning Arsenal transfer news despite fresh Barcelona boost

Arsenal are running out of time as they look to strengthen ahead of the new season, enduring a tough summer transfer window so far. The Gunners have spent a fair amount, spending £27million on David Raya and £42million on Riccardo Calafiori.

Those exits have been balanced by the exit of Emile Smith Rowe for around £34million, with the academy product joining Fulham, and there are still four of rive players who could depart the club, including Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and others.

Arsenal need more new signings themselves, and especially if they want to catch Manchester City this season. The general feeling is that they need a new midfielder to partner Declan Rice, as well as a striker and a winger who can add competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

None of those positions are easy or cheap to address, though there could be a bargain deal for Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino on the cards, with Real Sociedad reportedly willing to sell for around £26million due to the player being in the final year of his contract.

The Gunners are working hard on that deal, but Arsenal fans will be concerned to hear that, according to Fabrizio Romano, there are no efforts ongoing to sign a new striker with less than four weeks remaining in the summer window.

“I don’t think it’s all about selling Nketiah, it’s about an opportunity they find for a new striker,” he told The Debrief. “At the moment I’m told that Arsenal are completely focused on Mikel Merino. Trying to complete the agreement for the Spanish midfielder to join from Real Sociedad. They have an agreement with the player and they are working on the deal with Real Sociedad with the deal structure.”

Williams boost

In mixed news, it looks as though Arsenal won’t be getting their hands on Euro 2024 star Nico Williams this summer, but neither will anyone else. According to COPE, Williams has now decided on his future amid links with the Gunners and Barcelona, with the latter said to have launched a big offensive to tie up a deal.

Williams has reportedly decided he will stay with Athletic Club for one more season, forcing Barcelona to turn to Dani Olmo. That is good news for Arsenal, who were not expected to beat Barca to the signing this summer due to having other priorities. It could be very different next summer.