Fabrizio Romano's Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham transfer update as 'move confirmed' and 'agreement close'

The new Premier League is almost upon us with just two weeks to go until the big kick off. In the meantime, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and the other London clubs are all working on new deals.

Clubs have until the end of August to wrap up deals, but most clubs will want to get the majority of their business done before kicking off their respective campaigns. As business ramps up, we have rounded up all the latest transfer rumours from ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano.

Merino Arsenal update

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal to land Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, with Mikel Arteta hoping to strengthen his midfield. Romano wrote in his Daily Briefing: “Let me say that Arsenal are really closing in on the deal for Mikel Merino and let me clarify that the package is going to be something around €30m.

“We’ll understand the structure of the deal in the next days, but the agreement between Arsenal and Real Sociedad is really, really close. Everything is proceeding to the final stages.”

Gallagher latest

Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid is not yet finalised, with the Chelsea midfielder yet to make a decision over his future despite rejecting a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

“Atlético Madrid are waiting for Conor Gallagher's decision, expecting the case to be clarified this weekend,” Romano added. “There's still NO green light from the player so far... but contacts continue. Chelsea, waiting as they agreed with Atléti on €40m deal.”

Santos and Mec

Elsewhere at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are preparing to send Andrey Santos back to Strasbourg on loan with the defender not quite ready to break into the first team.

Romano tweeted: “Andrey Santos will be announced as new signing for Strasbourg on Friday. Loan move from Chelsea, confirmed.”

While Santos is headed outbound, Chelsea could sign another South American starlet in Gabriel Mec. Romano added: “Understand Chelsea keep pushing and advancing on Gabriel Mec deal with Gremio. Negotiations underway between clubs, Chelsea are opening talks with Gremio after player’s green light to the project. 2008 born Brazilian talent, keen on Chelsea move.”

Tottenham want Solanke

In North London, Tottenham are said to be considering a deal to sign Bournemouth frontman Dominic Solanke as they look to land a new frontman this summer.

Romano tweeted: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham explore move for Dominic Solanke, he’s among targets for Spurs. Difficult deal as he’s key player for #AFCB, no formal bid to Bournemouth so far. Spurs exploring options to bring in new striker and potentially new winger, based on opportunities.”

McTominay chase

Finally, Fulham are still said to be pushing to land Scott McTominay, but they need to up their bid if they are going to agree a deal with the Red Devils.

“Manchester United remain open to selling Scott McTominay if proposals will go up to £30m package,” Romano said. “It could be crucial to bring in new midfielder. Fulham want to insist and push to make it happen.”