Arsenal are gearing up for an eventful conclusion to the summer transfer window, with activity expected both in terms of incoming and outgoing players.

While Riccardo Calafiori stands as the sole addition for The Gunners thus far, they are close to securing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Merino’s transfer to Arsenal is nearing completion, with negotiations in progress. Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion are swiftly pursuing a deal for Ferdi Kadioglu, a player Edu Gaspar had targeted earlier in the window.

Although Arsenal’s initial £17 million offer for Fenerbahce’s Kadioglu was declined, Brighton has now positioned themselves as frontrunners to secure his services over interest from Manchester United. The Seagulls are reportedly making rapid strides in finalizing the deal and are set to engage with Fenerbahce officially this week. They are hopeful of sealing a £29.8 million agreement, which might escalate to £34 million to secure the deal.

In a shift of focus, Arsenal seems to have redirected their interest elsewhere, focusing on acquiring Calafiori. However, their pursuit for a striker continues, with a notable gap in their lineup for a specialist number nine. Despite Arteta’s contentment with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in that role, monitoring the market for potential options remains essential.

One name on the radar for The Gunners is Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who is reportedly available for around £40 million, having recently found the net against West Ham United. While Victor Gyokeres has been a long-standing target, his acquisition is expected to come with a heavy price tag exceeding £50 million. Arsenal’s search for a suitable striker persists as they navigate the final days of the transfer window.