Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Next signing after Merino, Nico Williams update, four exits

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has urged Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney.

Brentford striker Toney is expected to join a new club this summer, with less than a year to run on his contract.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are showing serious interest but Arsenal are among a contingent of Premier League admirers who could yet swoop if a good-value deal emerges.

“You know who I would go and buy? Ivan Toney,” Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast. “He was left out obviously and there’s talk about him going to Saudi. He might not be ideal for Arsenal’s style, how they want to press and play, but he’s a different option from off the bench.

“He would give them something different, a different dimension. Especially looking at the numbers, he’s got a year left on his contract and there was talk about him going for only £15million. For a player who was valued at £70m a couple of seasons ago. In terms of what he can offer, I think he would be a good fit.”

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has confirmed that Arsenal are chasing midfielder Mikel Merino.

The 28-year-old was not involved in Sociedad’s 2-1 defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday as he closes in on a move to the Gunners.

Star defender Robin Le Normand was also absent after completing a transfer to Atletico Madrid.

“It is clear that there are no two players like Le Normand and Merino, and Real will not be able to replace those players with the same level,” said Alguacil.

“There’s a reason Arsenal want Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay (Martin) Zubimendi’s clause.”

Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams would be the ‘top choice’ for Mikel Arteta if Arsenal set about bolstering their wide options this summer, according to Football London.

Williams excelled at Euro 2024 as Spain romped to victory over England in the final.

But there remain doubts over whether Arsenal would be able to prise the 22-year-old away from the Basque Country.

Barcelona are also interested in Williams, whose wage demands are high and whose release clause would have to be paid up front.

Arsenal are plotting a bid for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia amid uncertainty over Aaron Ramsdale’s future, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

David Raya has established himself as the top dog between the sticks under Mikel Arteta, leaving Ramsdale out in the cold.

The Gunners are reportedly looking at Garcia, who is three years Ramsdale’s junior, to fill the gap if the England international departs.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are also said to have cast their eye over the youngster.

Arsenal have already shed weight from their squad this summer with Emile Smith Rowe joining Fulham and several others leaving on loan.

But more departures could be set to follow.

Out-of-favour striker Eddie Nketiah is reportedly the subject of Premier League interest, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the running.

Winger Reiss Nelson has been the subject of talks between Arsenal and Leicester City during the current window.

Ajax have bid for second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and could yet go back in for the Englishman.

And Jakub Kiwior, who was inexplicably left out of the matchday squad for Wolves’ visit to the Emirates on Saturday, has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is on the cusp of welcoming Mikel Merino to north London.

The midfielder is set to become his third summer signing after David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.

Real Sociedad and the Gunners have reportedly agreed on a fee which falls just shy of £30million.

And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the final details of the move are now being worked on, with a full agreement potentially in store over the next 24 hours.

Hello and welcome to Express Sport‘s Arsenal transfer news LIVE!

Fresh activity is expected at the Emirates Stadium over the coming days so stick with us to stay bang up to date.