17 June 2023 , 03:00
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It has been a thrilling start to the summer transfer window for Arsenal fans and the Gunners are yet to actually sign anyone.
That is not to say there has been any shortage of speculation, with Mikel Arteta's men linked with plenty of players who may or may not end up plying their trade in the red half of north London by the time next season gets underway.
With that being said, Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the standout rumours and reports related to an Arsenal side who seem to have significantly more spending power this window than they have in ones gone by judging by the calibre of talent they are touted with.
Rice makes preference clear
Arsenal's hopes of signing Declan Rice have been boosted (Getty Images)Arsenal's main target this summer appears to be West Ham captain Declan Rice. The Gunners have already seen one bid rejected by the England ace and are now preparing their second offer.
However, there are mounting fears among the Arsenal fanbase that Arteta and co. may want to act sooner rather than later amid reports that reigning champions Manchester City are planning a bid of their own.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
With that in mind, fresh reports have suggested that regardless of City's efforts, Rice only wants Arsenal.
As per The Guardian, a move to the Emirates remains Rice's favoured outcome. The former Chelsea academy talent is keen to stay in London, while he is reportedly a fan of Arteta's playing style.
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Gunners warned against Havertz
Kai Havertz is a reported target for Arsenal ((Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))As well as Rice, Arsenal have emerged as shock front-runners in the race for Kai Havertz's signature.
The Germany international has been linked with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich since Chelsea's miserable campaign ended, but it looks like Havertz will remain in the English capital after all.
However, while Havertz himself is keen on joining the Gunners, one Arsenal legend isn't so sure.
Ray Parlour told talkSPORT : "You need an out and out goal-scorer, if you’re Arsenal, They’ve got so much good back-up play behind the striker, but they need someone to put the ball in the net.
"For me, I don’t think that’s the right signing but obviously Edu and Mikel Arteta will be talking behind the scenes and thinking he can play here or there. There might be a plan for him.
Arsenal release 10 players
Ainsley Maitland-Niles will leave Arsenal on June 30 (Getty Images)The Gunners have confirmed the departures of 10 players in their retained list - including once first-team regular Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 25-year-old spent the past campaign on loan at relegated Southampton after 20 years. He leaves having won the FA Cup with his boyhood side, playing a key part in Arsenal's route to cup glory in 2020.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
As for the other nine players that have been released, Zach Awe, Joel Ideho, George Lewis, Matt Smith and Tom Smith, Kaleel Green, Alexandar Kovacevic, Tino Quamina and Mathaeus Roberts will all leave on June 30 when their contracts expire.
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