Mikel Arteta to keep hold of Arsenal 'leader' as Declan Rice race hots up

23 June 2023 , 03:00
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Declan Rice is available for transfer (Image: PA)
Declan Rice is available for transfer (Image: PA)

Arsenal are expected to be busy in this summer's transfer window, with a number of players tipped for the exit at the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Thomas Partey could all leave the club, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Matt Smith - among others - have already been released. That has left manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu looking for replacements.

It's believed the Gunners want to get their transfer business done early and could announce a major signing as soon as this weekend. Arteta's side finished second in the Premier League last season and won't want to miss out on the title again next term.

Arsenal have not lifted the Premier League title since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' were victorious in 2004, while they have never won the Champions League. With all that in mind, here are the latest transfer rumours from the Emirates.

Havertz set for medical

Kai Havertz's Arsenal medical will take place this weekend, according to ESPN.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eiqrriqdiquinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

The Germany international, 24, is due to complete a £65million move from Chelsea to Arsenal in the coming days. The Gunners will pay £60m of that fee up front, with the rest of it coming in add-ons. He will be Arsenal's first major signing of this summer's window.

Mikel Arteta to keep hold of Arsenal 'leader' as Declan Rice race hots upKai Havertz is on the move (Getty Images)

What do you make of Arsenal's move for Kai Havertz? Let us know in the comments below!

Havertz is expected to complete his medical overseas after representing his country during the recent international break. He started Germany's 2-0 defeat to Colombia in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday night, with Liverpool star Luis Diaz finding the net.

Arsenal's move for Havertz has raised eyebrows due to his questionable record at Chelsea. Although he hit the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, Havertz has scored just 19 goals in three Premier League campaigns.

Jorginho going nowhere

Jorginho will stay at Arsenal this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

The Italy international, 31, joined the Gunners from Chelsea in January and still has a year remaining on his contract, which contains an option for another 12 months. Arteta praised Jorginho for his "deep leadership skills" and "intelligence" on signing him.

Lazio are interested in signing Jorginho, but the midfielder wants to stay at Arsenal. Lazio are managed by Maurizio Sarri, who coached Jorginho at Napoli and Chelsea. Arteta will want to keep hold of the midfielder, with Xhaka set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Rice race hots up

Arsenal will submit a third offer for Declan Rice, according to the Evening Standard.

West Ham will allow the England international, 24, to leave the London Stadium this summer but want at least £100m for his services. That is why the Hammers have already rejected two bids from Arsenal for Rice, including their last offer of £90m (initial £75m).

The Gunners need to act quickly to sign Rice, with Manchester United and Man City both after him. Mirror Football understands the latter club are ready to pay £100m for Rice after signing Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for the same amount two years ago.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan moveMan Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

Tom Blow

Chelsea FC, Manchester City FC, Manchester United FC, Lazio, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Granit Xhaka, Jorginho, Arsenal transfer news, West Ham United FC, Arsenal FC, Mikel Arteta

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Man Utd initially wanted to sign Sabitzer's teammate but Bayern Munich refused