Recent reports have suggested that Declan Rice is close to completing a move to Arsenal. It has been said there is a verbal agreement between the player and the North London outlet and West Ham are prepared to accept a deal worth £100 million.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reported a few days back that Arsenal are preparing a final offer of more than £100m plus add-ons to get the deal for their number one target over the line. Advanced negotiations are underway between the two clubs to find an agreement for the West Ham captain.
Bayern Munich were also interested in the 24-year-old but Declan Rice has chosen to stay in the Premier League. He also has told all other Premier League clubs in for him that he’s only interested in Arsenal this summer. West Ham wanted a bidding war to drive up the price but they’ve failed in their attempt to do so with the players’ heart set on a move to the Gunners.
Declan Rice is just the beginning of a busy summer for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to add some much needed quality in depth to his squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.
William Saliba has been one of Arsenal’s most crucial players in the 2022/23 campaign. The French international has agreed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium which is expected to be signed once the player returns from his holiday this week. He’s also expected to get the number two shirt next season as part of his new deal.
READ MORE: David Ornstein reveals all of Arsenal’s transfer plans for the upcoming transfer window.
Following Saliba, Arsenal are also looking to secure a new long-term contracts for club captain Martin Odegaard and Ben White ahead of next season. Both players are a key part of Arsenal’s starting eleven and remain a priority.
Arsenal are also looking to strengthen in other areas of the pitch this summer. It’s been well reported Mikel Arteta wants two new central midfielders in over the next month, however he also wants an attacker and a full-back in as well.
Kai Havertz looks to be the attacker the Gunners are prioritising right now with the two London clubs in advanced negotiations to come to an agreement over the fee for the German International. Arsenal are ready to pay £60million, however Chelsea are holding out for more. With the player wanting the move, the Gunners are hoping the Blues will give in and accept their offer soon with negotiations ongoing.
In terms of the defence, Arsenal are focused on securing the two signings mentioned above first before moving on to any other deals. However at the top of the Gunners list is Ajax defender, Jurrien Timber. Arsenal have had a £30million bid rejected recently, however negotiations continue with the Dutch side wanting around £50million. As per David Ornstein, personal terms have been agreed with the player so it’s up to the two clubs to agree on a fee now in order to get the deal done.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add a player in the right-back area who can do a similar job to Zinchenko but on the other side – tuck into midfield and is comfortable with the ball. Arsenal have identified the Ajax defender as the man to do that.
Arsenal want their summer business done as early as possible ahead of the new season and it appears they’re getting closer to doing that with three deals in advanced negotiations.
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