Transfer News: Arsenal signs Mikel Merino, United seeks to sell Sancho

Transfer update: Sancho eyes Man United exit, Arsenal seals Merino, Leicester signs Ayew, Newcastle close on Guehi, and Cancelo linked with Saudi move

Arsenal has reached full agreement with Real Sociedad for Mikel Moreno, the midfielder is expected to complete the move before Arsenal visits Villa on Saturday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Another weekend has arrived, and it's an opportune moment to assess the situation as teams finalize agreements to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. We examine a few completed deals and discuss the buzz in top leagues.

Jadon Sancho is leaving Manchester United.

Following his exclusion from the Manchester United squad that defeated Fulham on the first day, Jadon Sancho's team is now actively considering all exit options, with Juventus and Chelsea showing interest in the winger.

Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund after falling out with manager Erik Ten Hag. While the manager declared truce at the start of the transfer window, close sources reveal there’s still friction between the two. Expect movement from Sancho soon.

Arsenal closes the Merino deal and hopes Saka returns.

After weeks of negotiations, Arsenal and Real Sociedad finally reached full agreement for the transfer of Spanish international Mikel Merino on a four-year deal for a fee of €32 million, excluding add-ons.

It looked like an easy deal to seal early on, but Arsenal had to endure a long and excruciating negotiation with the Spanish side, which sought to milk the deal as it was the last chance to earn money on the player. Arsenal will now focus on a wide player to help Bukayo Saka get enough rest this season.

Ayew Serious?

Leicester City has sealed a deal for Crystal Palace forward Andre Ayew for a fee of £8 million including add-ons, valid for four years.

Leicester City have lost their main creative force in Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, but replacing him with Ayew sounds strange as the Ghana international’s numbers show he’s not the most prolific. You must also wonder what will become of Crystal Palace after the ongoing cherry-picking.

Newcastle is getting closer to signing Guehi.

After news surfaced that Newcastle might be looking into other directions for defensive reinforcement, we can now confirm that an agreement is close with Crystal Palace for former Chelsea centre back Marc Guehi.

Guehi, reportedly interested in the move, is discussing a bid of £65 million, excluding realistic add-ons, following three rejections. There are also discussions about Joachim Anderson, suggesting a potential move to Fulham. Let's hope for the best for Crystal Palace.

Is Joao Cancelo planning to switch from Europe to Saudi Arabia?

With Barcelona struggling financially and Pep Guardiola clearly done with Joao Cancelo, it appears that Saudi Arabia is the safest bet for Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo.

A bid has been received from Al Hilal, believed to be sufficient enough to seal the deal; however, the player is expected to make a decision. Cancelo is said to be waiting on Barcelona, but the Spanish giants are running out of properties to sell in order to be able to register players.