10 June 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal are aiming to hit the ground running when the summer transfer window officially opens next Wednesday.
The Gunners' priority is to bring in Declan Rice, with it already confirmed by West Ham owner David Sullivan that he's played his final game for the Irons. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta views the England international as central to his midfield reshuffle, which could see any of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Jorginho leave the Emirates.
Player sales are set to be key for the Gunners, who have plenty of assets on their books who could bring in funds for new signings such as Rice. Mirror Football understands that Arteta's turnover could see up to eight high-profile departures, so it's safe to say Arsenal fans can expect a busy summer.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Arsenal playing hardball amid Rice pursuit
While Arsenal attempt to drive West Ham's asking price down for Declan Rice, the Gunners themselves are hoping to bring in as much money as possible through the sale of Kieran Tierney. According to The Telegraph, Arsenal chiefs are demanding at least £30million to part ways with the Scottish full-back, who Newcastle want to sign.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Tierney, 26, was once tipped to be a future Gunners captain but has lost his place at left-back to Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arsenal's hardball approach mirrors West Ham's stance on Rice, as the Irons want no less than £100m to part ways with their Europa Conference League-winning captain.
The situation explained HERE.
Kieran Tierney is wanted by NewcastleWhere will Declan Rice play his football next season? Bet 365's latest odds here
Pepe set to return
Nicolas Pepe will be back at Arsenal this summer after his loan spell with Nice came to an end. On Friday, the French club announced the Ivorian winger's departure after an injury-hit season at the Allianz Riviera Stadium, during which he managed to score eight goals and register one assist.
Pepe, 28, remains Arsenal's club-record signing after joining from Lille in the summer of 2019 for a whopping £72m. His return gives Mikel Arteta a headache, as the Gunners must offload the Ivory Coast international before the window slams shut on September 1 to add vital funds or risk losing him for free next summer.
Read the full story HERE.
Nicolas Pepe failed to impress consistently for Nice (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)Have your say! Does Nicolas Pepe deserve another chance at Arsenal? Join the debate in the comments section.
Simons responds to rumours
Rumoured Arsenal target Xavi Simons has admitted he's uncertain over his future at PSV Eindhoven. The talented Dutch midfielder, who recently turned 20, came of age under Ruud van Nistelrooy this season before the manager's shock decision to quit rocked PSV.
Quizzed on his hotly-debated future amid links of a summer move to Arsenal, Simons replied: "I don't know yet. I'm now with the Dutch national team, I'm going to work here for two weeks and then we'll see what happens. Soon we will decide together with family what is best for me."
More from Simons HERE.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes