Mikel Arteta issues double Arsenal transfer update with 'soon' admission
Arsenal are now preparing to take on Aston Villa after kicking off their Premier League campaign with a win over Wolves last weekend. The Gunners know a fast start will be important if they are to set up another title race, likely with Manchester City, this season.
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Hide AdMikel Arteta and Edu spent more than £200million last summer in a bid to close the gap between Arsenal and City, and that gap was narrowed, but with City having come out on top again, more investment has been required this summer.
David Raya has been kept on full time, while Riccardo Calafiori has been snapped up for around £42million. Another incoming is expected over the coming days, with negotiations over Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino expected to be concluded shortly, albeit not in time for this weekend.
Asked about the situation during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing a tough Villa side away from home this weekend, Arteta has said when asked when the deal will be completed: “I don’t know...soon. The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment.” The Spaniard added: “I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us. There’s still time in the market.” Arsenal know they must balance the books this summer due to their big spending figure last summer and continued spending this time around. Fortunately for the Gunners, they have a number of sellable assets, while they have already offloaded Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for a fee of £34million.
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Hide AdEddie Nketiah could be next to leave after failing to win the race with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for a starting spot, while Arsenal may yet move to sign another frontman. Nottingham Forest are being tipped to land a deal worth around £30million for Nketiah, and asked about that situation, Arteta added: “I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. Whatever happens will happen if it’s good for everybody.”
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