Transfer News: Mikel Merino still expected to join Arsenal, Guardiola hits the market

Top leagues return: Arsenal pursue Merino, Pochettino leads USMNT, Phillips loaned to Ipswich, Man City targets attacker, and Neres nears Napoli move.

Mikel Merino is still expected to join Arsenal with both clubs still in discussion to complete the transfer. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Top leagues are resuming business as usual from Thursday, with top-flight games in Spain before the Premier League kicks off on Friday. We look at some buzzing news in the transfer market.

Arsenal's search for Merino continues.

It's been a little quiet recently between the Gunners and the camp of Spanish international Mikel Merino, but close sources reveal the conversation is still on, and Arsenal is still expected to complete the signing of the 28-year-old midfielder.

Real Sociedad's demands and Arsenal's willingness to pay still differ, but with Sporting Director Edu Gaspar reportedly in Spain to finalize the deal, both clubs should soon come to an agreement.

Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT head coach.

Former Chelsea and PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino has been named the new USA Men’s National Team head coach after a series of talks with other options.

The USMNT made contact with Jurgen Klopp, who declined the offer, and Patrick Vieira, but the Argentine impressed the most and will be the man to lead the Yankee boys to the 2026 World Cup, which would happen on home soil.

On loan, Kalvin Phillips will join Ipswich.

Manchester City has given England midfielder Kalvin Phillips permission to join Ipswich, and both clubs are now finalizing key details of the transaction.

Phillips has been underwhelming at Manchester City, and his loan spell at West Ham was as bad as his worst nightmares. However, a new lease of life under the new boys could revive his career and offer him another chance with the 3Lions.

Guardiola confirmed that City will storm the market this weekend.

Following Julian Alvarez's departure for Atletico Madrid and Oscar Bobb's injury, Manchester City will now enter the transfer market for a suitable replacement.

Pep Guardiola had pledged that the club would not bring in any new players, despite James McAtee and Bobb's impressive preseason performances. However, due to a long-term injury to the latter, City is now seeking an attacker. Stay tuned for some exciting names in Europe.

David Neres is nearing a move to Napoli.

David Neres, a former Ajax winger, is on the verge of joining Napoli in the Serie A after Benfica agreed a price with the former Italian champions.

Benfica and Napoli have proposed a fee of €25 million to complete the transfer, which would represent a significant profit for the Portuguese side.