Fabrizio Romano makes 'last-minute' Arsenal transfer claim after fresh deal 'agreed'

Arsenal could remain active in the summer transfer market after they land Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. After weeks of talks, the Gunners are expected to wrap up the signing of Merino on a deal worth around £27million plus a further £4million in add-ons.

Real Sociedad proved tough negotiators over one of four Euro 2024 winners in their squad, with Arsenal struggling to land a deal despite the fact Merino only has one yea remaining on his contract. Eventually, though, a deal was struck, and Merino is expected to be announced in the coming days with the formalities now ongoing.

With Merino heading into Emirates Stadium, Arsenal still need to offload players who are not part of their plans in a bid to balance the books. Though, there is also the question of getting fringe players who might have a chance in the future regular game time. Fabio Vieira falls into that category, and he will now head out on loan.

The Athletic say FC Porto have now agreed a season-long loan deal for Vieira, who needs to be playing having struggled for game time since his 2022 arrival. The 24-year-old has 33 league appearances to his name as a Gunner.

Elsewhere, Arsenal could still bring in another player to add to their small haul of Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya and - soon to be - Merino. But according to transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano, talk of a big signing like Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is wide of the mark.

“In terms of opportunities, I would keep, in Arsenal’s case, the door open,” Romano told Give Me Sport. “Still nothing imminent, still nothing closer, but Arsenal are considering opportunities on the market, so I would keep the door open for a last-minute chance.

“I don't think it's going to be something very big. I see rumours on players like Nico Williams. I don't think Arsenal will do something like that, I think if they decide to do something, it's going to be something for a back-up and opportunity in the final days.” The summer transfer window closes on August 30.