Arsenal is actively looking to strengthen their squad as they prepare for a title challenge against Manchester City, but there is also potential for some players to leave the club.
Last weekend, Riccardo Calafiori became Arsenal's first signing of the summer, as manager Mikel Arteta successfully brought him on board. The Gunners wasted no time in introducing the Italy international to his new teammates in the United States.
Now, Arsenal is turning its attention to adding Mikel Merino to the squad ahead of their season opener against Wolves in two weeks.
However, there are also indications that some players may depart the club in the coming weeks as the transfer deadline approaches at the end of the month.
The Gunners have been in talks with French side Marseille over the sale of fringe striker Eddie Nketiah recently but so far, nothing has materialized.
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The Englishman is a subject of multiple bids from the French outfit, who are searching the market for a new forward after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
Nketiah saw his game time with the Gunners diminish last season as he slipped down the pecking order, having not started a competitive game for Mikel Arteta's side since the turn of the year. Although the striker made 37 appearances across all competitions, he was largely limited to outings off the bench.
🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal want at least €35m plus sell-on clause for Eddie Nketiah.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2024
That's why Arsenal decided to reject €27m proposal from Olympique Marseille, as revealed on Friday.
No agreement between clubs so far and OM could now start to look also at new options. pic.twitter.com/6usueJwSv9
Marseille has already had two bids for Eddie Nketiah turned down by Arsenal, with the latest offer amounting to €27 million ($29.5m). According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the French club is still falling short of Arsenal's €35 million ($38.2m) valuation for the striker.
As a result, Marseille may reconsider their pursuit of Nketiah, even though they have reached an agreement on personal terms with him. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko is keen on joining Marseille, and discussions are underway for a loan deal that includes an option to buy.
While Nketiah has been linked with several clubs, Marseille remains the only team to have actively pursued him so far this summer.
