Arsenal transfer news: Arteta closes in on deal as six clubs chase Tierney

The transfer window slams shut at the end of next week, and Arsenal are still looking to get key deals over the line.

The arrival of midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad is expected soon, with the 28-year-old arriving in north London for his medical. Whether the Gunners will recruit a forward before the end of the window remains to be seen. Manager Mikel Arteta remains on the lookout for a forward.

Meanwhile, rumours of a potential move for former Manchester City and now out-of-favour Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling have been quashed, while Arteta also gave a time frame for when he will hold contract talks with the club's hierarchy.

Below, the Mirror runs through the latest transfer news of the last 24 hours.

Merino has reportedly said his goodbyes at Real Sociedad before travelling to north London for his medical.

The Spanish midfielder was identified as a priority target heading into the final few days of the transfer window and the Gunners now seem to have got their man for a four-year deal worth €32m plus €5m.

Merino was reportedly spotted at Real Sociedad's training ground on Friday morning to issue his farewell, before jetting off to north London to complete the final stages of his deal.

The 28-year-old is seen as a delayed replacement for Granit Xhaka and only had eyes for a move to north London.

Arteta has admitted that he failed Smith Rowe after being saddened by his exit from Arsenal.

Smith Rowe joined Fulham in a £34million deal at the start of August after struggling for regular game time at Arsenal. The 24-year-old was much-loved by Arsenal fans after a breakthrough 2021/22 campaign in which he bagged 10 Premier League goals. Yet Smith Rowe failed to kick on, thwarted by injuries and competition for places.

And on his exit, Arteta said: "First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way. I don't know how to explain it but that was my feeling. Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away.

"And I have a feeling like 'argh', that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously a lot of things happened in that time. From my side it was really sad, because I know how those boys feel when they are in that building, how hard everyone works to get them close to the first team, so I feel a huge responsibility to give them the chance. And now, can they sustain this level and make us better? That is the idea."

Six clubs are reportedly after Kiernan Tierney.

Arteta is reportedly keen on keeping Tierney at the Emirates and sees him playing an important role in their title challenge, despite the competition for a starting berth in the left-back position.

It is said Tierney is pushing for a move to restart his career with a price of roughly £25million set.

But according to Caught Offside, Celtic, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Girona, Seville, and Valencia are all interested parties.