Merino deal, bargain £13m Saka understudy - Arsenal could complete six transfers this week

The 2024/25 Premier League season is up and running with Arsenal getting off to the perfect start with an opening day win over Wolves.

Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a comfortable 2-0 win. The match saw new signing Riccardo Calafiori named on the bench with the Italian being an unused substitute.

Off the pitch, there is still work going on to complete transfers before the August 30 deadline. Calafiori is one of three arrivals so far this window, with David Raya completing a permanent move from Brentford and young goalkeeper Tommy Setford joining from Ajax.

As well as incomings, the club will also be working on moving players on between now and the end of the window with several players in contention to leave the club before the end of the month. With less than two weeks of the window remaining, football.london has taken a look at some of the deals that could possibly be completed in the next seven days.

Mikel Merino

This transfer looks the most likely to be done first. The midfielder was left out of Real Sociedad’s squad for their La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening, after Arsenal ramped up their interest in the Spain international last week.

He has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for some time as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield options. Merino is in the final year of his contract at a move to Arsenal looks increasingly likely.

READ MORE: Man City suffer transfer setback for Julian Alvarez replacement as Arsenal 'target' makes decision

READ MORE: Arsenal taking final steps to close £30m transfer saga as Serie A star set for 'bargain' move

If the Gunners can get a deal done in time, then he could be available for the next Premier League match against Aston Villa. Arsenal travel to Villa Park next Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).

Federico Chiesa

If Arsenal follow up their reported interest in the winger, then it could be an easy deal to do, given Juventus’ willingness to cash in this summer. Manager Thiago Motta admitted over the weekend that the player is free to leave the club.

“Our position on Federico Chiesa hasn't changed," he said via Fabrizio Romano ."He’s not part of our plans.

"We've talked. It's a demonstration of the respect I have for everyone. Transparency, clarity, that's the way I communicate with my players”.

It is claimed that Chiesa is available for a price of around €15 million (£13m). He has less than one year remaining on his deal with the Turin club.

Aaron Ramsdale

Ransdale is a name who has been linked with an Arsenal exit for all of the summer. The permanent signing of David Raya means that the England international remains as second choice at the Emirates Stadium and could move on in search for more regular game time.

Arsenal are said to prefer a permanent move for the goalkeeper, but have received enquiries over a loan deals. Ajax are one of the teams said to have made an approach.

Reiss Nelson

He’s a player who is expected to move on this summer, but there is one stumbling block in his wages. Leicester City have been the most heavily linked with an interest, having held talks with Arsenal over a possible deal.

According to the Telegraph , the Foxes still do retain an interest in the player, but his £120,000 plus a week wages have stalled the deal so far. If a solution can be found, then it’s a deal that could move quickly.

Eddie Nketiah

The academy graduate has been linked with a move to Marseille and Bournemouth in the last few weeks, but it seems that both clubs have moved on to other targets. Everton are the latest club to be linked with an interest with some reports even suggesting that the Toffees are readying a loan bid.

If an agreement can be reached, then any money would come as a profitability and sustainability boost to Arsenal. Any money made on the player would go down as pure profit due to him being an academy graduate

Jakub Kiwior

Another player who Arsenal are open to moving on this summer. The full-back was left out of the squad completely for the season opener against Wolves at the weekend.

He has been linked with a move to Serie A. Inter, Milan, Juventus and Atalanta have all been credited with an interest.