14 July 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal's stars got a chance to impress against Nurnberg on Thursday as the Gunners ramp up their pre-season preparations.
Bukayo Saka was on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw in Germany, where he was one of a number of senior players involved. Kai Havertz also made an appearance from the bench - his first in his new club's colours - while academy talents including Ethan Nwaneri were also handed minutes by Mikel Arteta.
Debuts for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber will have to wait, though, with neither signed in time for the friendly. Rice's future is among Mirror Football's latest news lines from around North London.
Arsenal make Rice 'promise'
Arsenal have promised West Ham the final pieces of paperwork on the deal for Declan Rice will be sorted by Friday. Almost everything has been agreed with regards to the club record move, which will see the Gunners spend up to £105m on the England international.
Rice has been on holiday as he prepares to link up with his new team-mates. He has been training in Portugal with the likes of Joao Cancelo, but a move to Arsenal appears to be a matter of when rather than if.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Arsenal are keen for the 24-year-old to join in time for the tour of the United States. Their squad members are due to jet off on Sunday, with three matches - including the MLS All-Star game - scheduled for later in July.
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Leipzig close in on Balogun alternative
RB Leipzig are on the verge of completing a move for Belgian forward Lois Openda. The German side were among those linked with Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun, and some have taken the latest move as a sign that their attentions lie elsewhere.
Will Folarin Balogun stay at Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section
Folarin Balogun was in pre-season action for Arsenal on Thursday (Getty Images)According to L'Equipe (via Get French Football News), an agreement has been reached over Lens star Openda. The former Club Brugge frontman scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season and represented Belgium at the under-21 Euros.
Balogun, who scored the same number on loan at Reims last term, has linked up with Arsenal for pre-season. He came off the bench in the Nurnberg clash, hitting the post as Arteta's team failed to put the game out of sight.
Battle for ex-Gunner Willian
Nottingham Forest are prepared to offer Willian an unusual arrangement to beat Fulham to his signature. Owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be ready to give the Brazilian a year at the City Ground followed by a further year at Olympiacos, who he also owns.
Willian spent last season at Fulham, scoring five league goals. The London side remain keen to keep him in West London, having lost fellow winger Manor Solomon to Spurs, but the veteran has reportedly undergone a Forest medical.
The 34-year-old was part of Arsenal's squad for the 2020-21 season after joining from Chelsea. He had a season to forget, though, and spent time back in his native Brazil before joining Fulham on a one-year deal last summer.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes