🚨 Merino Arsenal talks set to ADVANCE, Xavi Simons decision closer, potential Chelsea swap deal, PSG eyeing Man Utd star, & more

Arsenal to step up Merino pursuit, and could Chelsea have a route to unlocking a major striker deal?

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Today’s top stories:

• Ask Fabrizio Romano anything before 1pm today!

• Don’t miss Matteo Moretto’s latest exclusive column!

• Latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino

• Plus big updates at Chelsea, Man Utd and PSG

AC Milan

• Strahinja Pavlovic to AC Milan, here we go! A deal is in place for the Serbian centre-back joining from Salzburg. Long term deal agreed days ago as he strongly wanted to join AC Milan. Package worth more than €18m, to be clarified soon.

• Emerson Royal is expected to join AC Milan from Tottenham this week. There will be one more round of talks taking place today with AC Milan confident of getting the final green light. After Pavlović, Emerson could be the next one to join Milan.

• Youssouf Fofana has agreed on personal terms with AC Milan weeks ago and he still wants the move. Fofana wants to play Champions League football, but there’s no agreement yet between Milan and Monaco. West Ham’s bid was already rejected by the player days ago, and so West Ham are now looking at other targets.

Ajax

• Sergi Roberto is considering options as a free agent with Ajax among clubs approaching him. Ajax have genuine interest, Sergi will assess all options in the next days - he is set to part ways with Barca as free agent.

Arsenal

• Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino’s camp next week, after positive contacts. He’s not the only name on their list but he is well positioned, with the price tag requested by Real Sociedad set to be key. Mikel Arteta appreciates him the player, and as soon as Emile Smith Rowe leaves, Arsenal can proceed.

• Arsenal are leading the race for Mikel Merino - more details in Matteo Moretto’s latest exclusive column.

• Medical done for Riccardo Calafiori who’s set to travel to USA from London together with his agents. Calafiori will sign a five-year deal as a new Arsenal player in the US.