Mikel Arteta makes huge Arsenal transfer decision immediately after Mikel Merino arrival

Arsenal have made a firm decision on the future of defender Jakub Kiwior fresh off confirming the summer signing of Mikel Merino. After several weeks of talks with Real Sociedad, the Gunners reached an agreement in the region of £27.4million (€32.5m) plus £4.2million (€5m) in add-ons to sign the Spain international.

With his official arrival announced on Tuesday, Arsenal have now brought in four players on permanent deals with the same number also having departed the club. Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham opened the door for Riccardo Calafiori to join and it is expected that the Merino fee will be offset by Eddie Nketiah moving to Crystal Palace.

The Hale End graduate was of strong interest to both Nottingham Forest and Marseille, though it will be the Eagles taking on his services with Arsenal to receive up to £30million. Further incomings could arrive in the final days of the summer window with a new forward seemingly the priority.

Two potential options are Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho with both expected to depart Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively, though the two clubs are in talks over a swap deal. Brighton's Simon Adingra has also been looked at by those at Emirates Stadium while Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman is available on loan.

However, it is much more likely there will be more activity regarding outgoings with Aaron Ramsdale of interest to Southampton and Reiss Nelson emerging as a deadline day target for Fulham. Kiwior was another player to have been linked with an exit, however it now seems Mikel Arteta has changed his mind.

Interest from Italy in the 24-year-old was concrete and the Gunners were initially open to selling. Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk has now claimed that Arsenal have informed Kiwior and his camp that he is not for sale despite interest from Bologna and Villareal.

READ MORE: Arsenal transfer news LIVE - Nico Williams twist, Aaron Ramsdale future, Eddie Nketiah latest

READ MORE: Deadline for new Arsenal forward to make debut against Brighton revealed if deal is struck

Kiwior was left out of the matchday squad for the opening day clash against Wolves but he was back on the bench for this past weekend's win over Aston Villa. Gabriel Jesus' injury saw a spot become free in Arteta's 20-man squad but it is unclear exactly how much game time he will be given going forward.

With Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko seemingly preffered by Arteta, Kiwior may have to be patient before getting back into the starting XI. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another that could leapfrog him in the pecking order once he returns from injury.