Merson’s remarks follow reports on Thursday claiming that Mikel Arteta’s side have agreed a £67.5m deal to secure the England international from Crystal Palace

Eberechi Eze is close to joining Tottenham after Arsenal backed out of the race. The England international is expected to start for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before sealing a £60m move to Spurs.

Eze is set to become Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer after they moved to hijack Tottenham’s bid for the England international.

Hotspur are exploring a potential move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku as they seek to bolster their attacking options, sources reveal.

Newcastle are under pressure to sign a new striker this summer. Callum Wilson was released following the expiration of his contract, but Eddie Howe’s side were forced to start the season without a recognised centre forward after Isak began his own protest over his desired move to Liverpool.

Arsenal's stunning coup to snatch Eberechi Eze away from Spurs is a ruthless statement of intent, says BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty