Arsenal are close to finalising an agreement with Real Sociedad that will see Kieran Tierney join the Basque club on a season-long loan deal. The La Liga outfit have emerged as surprise suitors for the Scotland international left-back, who could undergo a medical in Spain as soon as this weekend.
The move is not expected to include an option-to-buy but the Gunners will net a small loan fee with Real Sociedad covering the full-back’s wages for the entirety of the season.
Meanwhile, Monaco are in advanced talks to sign Folarin Balogun on a permanent deal after returning to the table with a second offer.
The Ligue 1 side are expected to pay in the region of £40m for the USMNT frontman, who was initially valued at £50m by Arsenal earlier this summer.
Chelsea recently launched a surprise enquiry for Balogun while Tottenham have also shown interest, however he now looks set to embark on a new chapter overseas.
The 22-year-old is poised to return to the French top-flight where he netted 21 times in 37 outings last season while on loan at Stade Reims.
Both Tierney and Balogun have been training away from the main group – among others – at London Colney ahead of their respective departures.
Tierney was left out of the Arsenal squad that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Monday night at Selhurst Park after previously featuring from the bench in the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City at Wembley.
His exit may come as a surprise following Jurrien Timber’s serious knee injury but it perhaps indicates Arsenal are ready to explore the prospect of bringing in another defender to fill the Dutchman’s void.
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Arteta has made a point of segregating those he does not consider to be part of his plans in a bid to push them towards the exit door.
Arsenal are also awaiting developments on Nicolas Pepe, who is attracting interest from two sides in Saudi Arabia.
Besiktas have also failed with a small bid for Rob Holding but they have since revived their interest in the centre-back meaning a deal could be struck.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric Soares are also among those free to find new clubs in the final stretch of the transfer window.
Youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy is also set to join Millwall on a season-long loan following his eye-catching spell with Coventry City last season.
Tyreece John-Jules is also heading out on loan to Derby until January when his future will be reassessed.
Arsenal host Fulham in the Premier League next after winning both of their opening two fixtures.
The Gunners have been boosted by the swift return of Gabriel Jesus who is now back in full-contact training.
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