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: Merino set to be Arsenal’s second big signing
Arsenal are close to securing the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to Relevo.
It is reported that a deal is now “imminent” after an agreement worth €30 million plus incentives was reached between both clubs, with the Gunners set to beat out competition from Barcelona as well as Atletico Madrid for his signature.
Manager Mikel Arteta is said to have played a key role in the move after making contact with the 28-year-old on multiple occasions after identifying him as a key reinforcement to his squad for this summer.
Merino, who made seven appearances for Spain at the UEFA European Championship, is believed to have already given the green light over personal terms ahead of his proposed switch to the Emirates Stadium, with the move expected to be announced in the coming days.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Barcelona are set to go “all out” in an attempt to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo, reports Sport. The Blaugrana are ready to improve their offer to around €50m, with the LALIGA side keen to land him over suitors in the Premier League. Olmo, 26, contributed to nine goals in 21 Bundesliga matches last season, before going on to share the Golden Boot with Spain at the Euros.
– Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez could look to push for a move away from the club, according to the Mirror. The Reds are reported to have been close to sealing a £45m deal for the 27-year-old with Newcastle United before it fell through, but the latest indicates that he remains open to going in search of a new challenge to garner more regular first team minutes.
– AC Milan are hopeful of landing AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, reports Nicolo Schira. It is believed that a deal is close to being agreed between both clubs for the 26-year-old, with the Giallorossi open to letting him leave on a loan deal that is set to include an option clause that could make it become permanent.
– New talks are set to be held between West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund over a deal for striker Niclas Füllkrug, says Fabrizio Romano. The Hammers are hopeful of making progress in their pursuit of the 31-year-old after having an offer rejected, with Füllkrug said to be “keen” on making the switch to the Premier League side. He was a standout performer for Germany at the Euros, after a bright campaign in which he scored 12 goals while assisting another eight in 29 league appearances.
