Transfer Talk: Arsenal hoping to complete Merino move

The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Real Sociedad’s Merino nearing move to Arsenal

Arsenal are looking to complete their swoop of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Discussions are reported to be ongoing over a transfer fee for the 28-year-old, with both clubs negotiating the structure of a deal that is expected to be worth more than €25 million.

Both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are said to have been informed of his decision to prioritise a move to the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners reached an agreement over personal terms with him.

The Spain international, who scored five goals while assisting another three in 32 LaLiga matches last season, is one of two Erreala midfielders on the radar of clubs in the Premier League, as Martín Zubimendi continues to be linked with a potential switch to Liverpool.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Bayern Munich are willing to move on left-back Alphonso Davies this summer, reports AS. Real Madrid are reported to still be interested in the 23-year-old, and the latest indicates that the Bundesliga side would now be open to offloading him for €30m after lowering their valuation. Davies entered the final year of his contract last month.

– A medical has been planned for free agent goalkeeper David de Gea after he agreed a move to join Fiorentina, reports Nicolo Schira. A one-year contract until the summer of 2025 is set to be signed by the 33-year-old, while a clause that extends his deal by a further year can be activated if certain conditions are met. De Gea has been without a club since leaving Manchester United in 2023, and it looks as though he is edging closer to a return to competitive football.

– There is still hope from Manchester United in looking to land Brentford striker Ivan Toney, reports the Mirror. The 28-year-old is continuing to be linked with a move away from the Bees after entering the last year of his contract, and it is said that it could be possible to sign him with a transfer offer worth £40m. He has also recently been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.

– West Ham United are looking to take over the proposed move of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo to Juventus, reports Fabrizio Romano. Club director Tim Steidten is said to have travelled to France to discuss a deal with the Ligue 1 club, who have accepted a €40m offer that includes a percentage of any future transfer. The Hammers are hopeful of setting up Todibo’s medical on Friday.

– Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is keen to join Liverpool, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The 25-year-old’s representatives are believed to have a positive relationship with the club due to also managing former player Xabi Alonso, though it’s unclear whether the Reds intend to propose the full €60m clause to land Zubimendi or whether they will look to negotiate a lower fee.