Arsenal completes flurry of transactions as transfer window winds down

The August transfer window for European soccer teams closes on Friday. After a busy window last summer, Arsenal has been rather quiet until late.

The Gunners completed a flurry of moves within the last 48 hours, including one incoming transfer and two exits.

Tuesday the club formally announced the signing of La Liga midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad while sharing video of him introducing himself to the rest of the team at practice.

The 28-year-old, who helped Spain lift the Euro Championship trophy this summer, drew a 31.6 million pound transfer fee according to the BBC .

In order to make room for Merino in midfield, 24-year-old Fabio Vieira was loaned out to his old club, FC Porto, for the season.

Arsenal also reportedly agreed to sell young forward Eddie Nketiah to London rivals Crystal Palace for 30 million pounds Tuesday, per insider Fabrizio Romano.

Nketiah made 116 appearances for Arsenal since 2017, scoring 19 goals in that time.

The transfer now creates room and funds for manager Mikel Arteta to utilize in an attempt to sign a new striker in the final days of the window.

However, Arteta may have tipped his hand in an Aug. 23 press conference when he said "we're going to try with the players who are already with us." But that could also be a feint.