The Gunners have reportedly agreed a deal with Chelsea worth in the region of £65million for Germany international Kai Havertz. With personal terms already believed to be in place, all Arsenal have to do now is pencil Havertz in for a medical before confirming the 24-year-old as their first signing of the window.
And the new arrivals won’t stop there with the north Londoners potentially committing to an outlay in access of £250m. Positive negotiations continue between Arsenal and West Ham over a deal for England international Declan Rice. The Gunners saw a second bid worth a club-record £90m – thought to be £75m in guaranteed cash instalments with an extra £15m in add-ons – rejected on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old is at the top of Arsenal’s summer wish list, and sporting director Edu is rumoured to already be working on a third proposal that will surely meet the Hammers’ valuation of the player.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also said to be chasing Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. The 22-year-old Netherlands international can play at either centre-back or right-back, and is understandably attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Discussions between Arsenal and Ajax have been described as “very positive” and there appears to be a willingness from all parties to get a deal done – providing the Gunners get somewhere near the £50m valuation that’s thought to have been slapped on Timber’s head.
And there’s a similar price tag attached to another of Arsenal’s targets with Southampton demanding big bucks for rising star Romeo Lavia.
The 19-year-old impressed during his breakout season in the Premier League despite the Saints’ relegation to the Championship, and the club are thought to looking for £50m for the midfielder. Edu, however, will be hoping he can work his magic and land Lavia and Timber for nearer £40m each.
However, Arsenal aren’t about to be reckless in this transfer window and are fully focused on balancing the books. That involves a number of exits at the Emirates with the club looking to make back as much as £100m.
There are shock suggestions that the Gunners have given midfielder Thomas Partey permission to explore offers from Saudi Arabia this summer, with interested clubs potentially willing to pay £30m.
Midfield partner Granit Xhaka is also expected to leave as soon as a deal for Rice has been reached, with Bayer Leverkusen favourites to sign the Switzerland international for £13m.
With 21-year-old striker Folarin Balogun also set to leave for around £35m, Arsenal are already well on their way to funding their summer rebuild.
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