01 July 2023 , 21:30
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Arsenal hope to ramp up their bid to push Manchester City even closer in the title race this week with a quartet of signings that will have fans salivating.
Deals for West Ham star Declan Rice and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber are close, and could even be wrapped up within the next 48 hours.
But, just as importantly for the Gooners, they hope to tie down key defender William Saliba to a new long-term deal.
And they are keen to complete and announce a new contract for forward Reiss Nelson, too.
The untimely injury Saliba suffered towards the end of last season is regarded by many Arsenal fans as a major factor in them losing their grip on the title and allowing City to nick it off them.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
But the 22-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a new four-year deal — an agreement that will delight boss Mikel Arteta and the Emirates faithful.
Nelson, meanwhile, has been a target for Crystal Palace as his contract expired last week.
But Arsenal are hopeful that he will put pen to paper on a four-year deal of his own to allay any fears of him departing.
Reiss Nelson is set to stay with the Gunners (Getty Images)Talks between Arsenal and West Ham over England midfielder Rice are ongoing but sources say they continue to be positive and that the only haggling now is over the timing of instalments in the £105million deal.
Versatile Ajax defender Timber, 22, will cost around £40million.
The Gunners completed the £65m signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea last week.
Granit Xhaka is wanted by by his old club Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and it is hoped that a deal of around £20m will be wrapped this week as well.
Kai Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea last week (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Upon joining Arsenal, Havertz said: “It's super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things.
“The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.
“The aim is to win trophies and I’m going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club. I'm now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season.”
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes