Sociedad Makes a Move for Merino as Nwaneri Contract Talks Surface
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Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been relatively quiet so far, with only two significant additions to the first team. However, the Gunners are hopeful of completing more signings before the transfer window closes.
David Raya’s loan deal has been made permanent with a £27 million transfer from Brentford. Riccardo Calafiori has joined from Bologna for approximately £42 million. Additionally, Tommy Setford has been signed from Ajax for £1 million, though he is expected to play for the Under-21s this season.
In terms of departures, Emile Smith Rowe has moved to Fulham in a deal worth around £27 million, plus an additional £7 million in potential add-ons. The 24-year-old has already scored in his first two matches for the Cottagers.
Arsenal is expected to bring in more players before the transfer window closes. Mikel Arteta is particularly targeting a new midfielder and another forward, while more players could also leave the club.
With this in mind, football.london takes a look at some of the latest Arsenal news and rumors circulating over the past 24 hours.
Nwaneri Contract Extension
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal is preparing to offer Ethan Nwaneri a new contract. The 17-year-old, who signed a deal in March 2026 when he turned 17—the maximum allowed at his age—is already in talks for an extension that would keep him at the Emirates until at least 2030.
FL Comment: This is a smart move by the Gunners. Nwaneri is one of the most promising talents in English football, and securing him on a long-term contract is crucial. He has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the coming years, and Arteta will likely give him more first-team opportunities this season to aid his development.
Merino’s Future
Real Sociedad is making a final effort to retain Arsenal target Mikel Merino this summer, according to reports from Spain.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa reports that the club has offered both Merino and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi the opportunity to become the highest-paid players in the squad. However, it seems their efforts may be in vain.
FL Comment: Arsenal is in dire need of a new midfielder this summer, and Merino seems like the ideal fit to strengthen that area, given his Champions League experience and profile. Despite the impressive performances of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard in the midfield against Lyon, there still seems to be a missing piece—someone like Merino. Arteta should make every effort to finalize this deal, despite Sociedad’s attempts to keep him.
This summer is shaping up to be pivotal at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal seeks to make the necessary changes to provide Mikel Arteta with a squad capable of overtaking Manchester City and winning the Premier League title.
