'There are talks': Manager confirms £30m player is not in matchday squad amid Arsenal transfer links

Arsenal are likely to be busy on the transfer front in the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta and Edu look to add the finishing touches to their squad.

The Gunners have made one senior signing so far this summer, bringing Italy star Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium from Bologna.

However, if all goes well, it shouldn’t be long before Arsenal will be in a position to announce a second senior summer signing.

Now, the manager of a player who has been heavily linked with the Gunners has confirmed that he won’t be involved in his team’s latest game.

READ MORE: Arsenal want to sign ‘world-class’ winger if Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are sold

Arsenal target Mikel Merino out of Real Sociedad matchday squad

The player in question is Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who is said to be closing in on a move to north London.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that talks between Arsenal and Sociedad over Merino were in their final stages.

Romano has now relayed what Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil has said about the 28-year-old ahead of the Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano.

“I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs,” Imanol is quoted as saying.

“And this is the best solution now.”

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Merino is set to cost Arsenal €35million, or around £30million.

Path clear for Arsenal to sign Merino

Speculation involving Arsenal and Merino is mostly positive at present, and hopefully it will not be long before an agreement has been reached.

The Spain international’s contract expires next summer, which means Sociedad need to sell this summer if they are to receive adequate compensation for his services.

And with fellow Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi snubbing a move to Liverpool, this means the Basque club is less likely to get cold feet as talks continue with Arsenal over Merino.

READ MORE: Declan Rice left furious with £180,000-a-week Arsenal teammate during Wolves clash

Arsenal get Premier League campaign off to winning start

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka both scored as the Gunners ran out 2-0 winners over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As per Sky Sports, Arsenal had six shots on target, an xG of 1.26, 50 touches in the opposition box and a possession percentage of 53.1 percent.

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton was covering the game on Final Score and he loved what he saw from one of the Gunners’ “skilful” forwards.