Author: Amrit Santlani
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently admitted the need to “strengthen” ahead of what he expects to be the Premier League’s “toughest” season next year. Arsenal are preparing very well for the coming campaign, closing in on three deals in their bid to knock Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City off the top of the table.
Arteta’s side are still in negotiations with West Ham United for captain Declan Rice, and the deal seemed to have been completed over a week ago, but City have also entered the race for the English midfielder, complicating matters.
West Ham United are likely to use City’s interest to drive up the price of Rice, who was reportedly set to leave for Arsenal after turning down the chance to go to Bayern Munich.
Arsenal’s second offer of £90 million was turned down by West Ham recently, but it has been reported that they will make a third offer close to the £100 million figure, which would make Rice Arsenal’s record signing.
In addition, Kai Havertz has already completed the first half of his medical examinations ahead of his £65 million move to the Emirates. The Chelsea midfielder has agreed terms and all that remains is for the two London clubs to sign the contracts to seal the German striker’s transfer.
Arsenal are also making progress in their quest to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The player has already agreed terms for a transfer worth £40 million.
On the other hand, City have already secured the signing of Mateo Kovacic and have also started negotiations with Josko Gvardiol. The RB Leipzig defender is expected to receive a very high fee. Guardiola remains a big fan of the player and the team have already agreed terms with the defender, but the Croatian won’t come cheap and the Bundesliga club want to make him the most expensive defender of all time, as they will demand more than 100 million euros.
Saudi Arabian clubs continue to make big moves in the transfer market. Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, who has become a free agent, has received an offer from Al Ahli, who have proposed a deal until June 2026.
Al Nassr, on the other hand, are in negotiations with Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic. The Saudi club has proposed a fee of 23 to 24 million euros and is waiting for the player’s final green light.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez recently hinted that Real Madrid would not sign any more players after Joselu, but they have agreed to extend Luka Modric ‘s contract for another year. The Croatian magician will stay on for another year, with an official announcement expected on Monday. The veteran has also been approached by Saudi clubs, but has no plans to join any other team.
Kalidou Koulibaly was presented as an Al Hilal player on Sunday, Chelsea received a fee of 23 million euros for the defender, and they are likely to continue pushing for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Mason Mount has hit a snag, as the Englishman has no intention of signing a new contract and the two clubs are still far apart in terms of price. There is a chance that Mount will remain at Chelsea this season and leave as a free agent next year. Manchester United are still waiting for a response from Chelsea on their £55 million offer.
The Stamford Bridge club have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. The player signed an eight-year contract until June 2031, having activated his release clause with the La Liga club, pocketing 37 million euros.