Welcome to the latest Arsenal transfer blog brought to you by football.london.

The Gunners are running out of time to complete their transfer business with the deadline just over a week away. Mikel Merino is the priority target at the Emirates Stadium, with a £34million deal moving closer.

Mikel Arteta could also look to strengthen his attacking options and fresh interest in Atalanta star Ademola Lookman could be an interesting transfer case to keep an eye on. According to reports in Europe, Arsenal are ready to offer Jakub Kiwior plus €50m (£42.5m) to bring the forward to north London.

Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on Lookman with Liverpool keeping an eye on his situation. However, Atalanta are desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old and will look to double his wages to tie him down.

There is also the possibility of players leaving the Emirates Stadium before the August 30 deadline. Striker Eddie Nketiah and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale are reportedly moving closer to exits if the latest reports are to be believed.

Merino close to Arsenal move

It is widely believed that Arsenal are on their way to completing a deal for Merino this week.

The central midfielder was expected to join the Gunners for some time and was left out of Real Sociedad’s opening game of the season last weekend.

Merino could now arrive at the Emirates Stadium before the trip to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Arsenal can finally seal the signing of Mikel Merino with progress made in Eddie Nketiah’s transfer to