Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out late Arsenal drama in transfer window

Mikel Arteta hinted that Arsenal may not be done in the summer transfer window even once Mikel Merino's arrival is made official.

A long and dull saga regarding Merino looks to be reaching a conclusion after the Gunners agreed a deal with Real Sociedad that could potentially be worth in excess of €37.5m. Merino arrives in London on Friday with his signing expected to be confirmed over the weekend.

A new midfielder was the club's priority after a deal for Riccardo Calafiori was wrapped up, and reports have emerged of Arsenal entering the market for a forward before the window slams shut. Speaking ahead of Saturday's game at Aston Villa, Arteta said "a lot of surprises can come" in the final week of the window.

Are we about to enjoy some late shenanigans?

Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out late Arsenal drama in transfer window

The majority are content with Arsenal's business thus far. In Calafiori and Merino, the club have signed two versatile players that align with Arteta's ideals and undoubtedly improve the squad. However, if Arsenal are to give themselves the best chance of winning the Premier League title this season, the general consensus is that the club requires one more addition in attacking areas.

That forward addition is likely to be a wide player, and there are rumours resurfacing regarding the potential for a Nico Williams pursuit late in the window. Arsenal do hold an interest in the Spanish winger, but there are financial obstacles to overcome. Williams is also said to be happy in Spain and will not force a move away.

The Gunners, however, could trigger the €58m release clause inserted into Williams' Athletic Club contract.

The boss has suggested Arsenal will be active up until the transfer deadline, and many hope a late pursuit is made for the Euro 2024 star. When asked about whether the club are looking at signing any more players in the final week of the window, Arteta responded: “We have to, because anything can happen both ways, especially in the last week. You have to be prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.”

Raheem Sterling, Simon Adingra, and Ademola Lookman are among the other wingers to be tenuously linked with a move to north London over the past 48 hours.

Arsenal's final week activity will ramp up once the Merino deal is complete post-Aston Villa. The club will also aim to get Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale off their books, all while potentially listening to offers for Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira.

As the boss said, anything can happen over the next week.

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