Southampton set to beat Arsenal to sign ‘aggressive’ £21m player
Arsenal have been quiet this summer when it comes to signing new players compared to previous windows.
The Gunners have made just the one signing at the time of writing in Riccardo Calafiori, with Arsenal closing in on a deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad having chased the midfielder for the past month.
With Eddie Nketiah also set to join Nottingham Forest, things are starting to pick up for Arsenal in the final nine days of the transfer window, where a few more players could leave north London if the right offers are made.
Yet Arsenal now set to miss out on a transfer target to Southampton, of all teams.
Southampton close to signing Arsenal target Justin Bijlow
According to De Telegraaf, Southampton are set to sign Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who as per the report was one the radar for Arsenal as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
Noted by the Athletic as an ‘aggressive shot-stopper’, the £21m-rated Dutch international has been rumoured with a move all summer, with Arsenal viewed as the most likely side to sign Bijlow given the Feyenoord star’s style of play.
However, it is Southampton who have won the race for Bijlow’s signature, with the Saints set to make a massive statement in the market with the capture of the 26-year-old Netherlands goalkeeper.
Indeed, Bijlow is considered one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe outside the major top-five leagues, and Southampton landing the Feyenoord man could be huge for Russell Martin in his bid to avoid the drop this season.
Bijlow signing could change everything about the relegation battle
With the new Premier League season here, Southampton have been tipped by many as an easy pick to go down this year, with the Saints yet to really convince fans that they have what it takes to stay up.
Yet the signing of Bijlow could change everything, with the 26-year-old goalkeeper an impressive coup for Southampton and a huge boost to their chances of achieving Premier League survival this season.
Whilst a few more signings could be needed, Bijlow is a fantastic swoop for the Saints, and Arsenal will now need to look elsewhere for a potential replacement for Ramsdale this month.
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When Arsenal could finally complete Mikel Merino signing
Arsenal have got their Premier League campaign off to the best possible start and will hope for similar joy on the transfer front over the coming days.
With just over a week until the summer transfer window closes, the Gunners will likely be looking to add the finishing touches to their squad.
Arsenal have made one senior summer signing so far, bringing Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium from Bologna.
It shouldn’t be long before the Gunners make their second senior signing of the summer, and it looks like things are developing nicely on this front.
READ MORE: Patrick Vieira says ‘underrated’ Arsenal star is actually one of his ‘favourite’ players
Arsenal could complete Mikel Merino deal by Thursday
Over the past few weeks, Arsenal have been in talks over Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Now, according to Estadio Deportivo, the breakthrough should be coming ‘between today and tomorrow’ (Wednesday and Thursday).
The Spanish outlet claims that ‘everything points’ to the Euro 2024 champion being close to securing his move to Arsenal and bringing the saga to an end.
On Tuesday, a report claimed that Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay flew to London for talks with the Gunners hierarchy over the financial side of the deal.
Sociedad reportedly rejected a deal worth €30million (£25.5million) up front and €5million (£4.3million) in add-ons.
Aperribay’s goal is to obtain at least €40million (£34million) between a fixed price and variables, added the report.
And the Basque club chief is reportedly willing to accept payment in instalments to help facilitate the transfer to Arsenal.
Merino is once again absent from training amid continuing talks between the clubs, with ‘lumbar discomfort’ cited as the official reason.
