Selling ITM calls at expiry

Hi all, I’m currently learning about options and I have a question that I can’t seem to really find a straight answer for via articles etc. Let’s say I have an ITM call option on the expiry date, is the only option to exercise and buy the shares and resell them for profit? Or can you still sell the contract day of expiry and collect the premium and the buyer be awarded the shares instead of me without me being assigned? (The premium should go up on ITM calls as you approach expiry right?) Just trying to wrap my head around it all before I actually start messing with them.

Thanks in advance.