Arsenal to make Lavia bid as Caicedo decision taken and Rice pressure increases

24 June 2023 , 03:00

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Romeo Lavia is a target for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are extremely busy as the summer transfer window begins to heat up.

Their pursuit of Declan Rice remains top of the agenda in North London, with sporting director Edu spinning several plates. Kai Havertz will undergo a medical this weekend ahead of a £65million move from Chelsea – and, while he will be the first, he could quickly be followed by others.

The Gunners are intent on getting their business done as early as possible, rather than leaving it until near the deadline on September 1. Mikel Arteta wants new arrivals to be through the door in time for pre-season preparations – and that is clear in their moves so far.

Here Mirror Football brings you all the latest transfer news from Arsenal.

Lavia chosen over Caicedo

Moises Caicedo came close to joining Arsenal in the January transfer window, but a move from Brighton to the Gunners is now looking increasingly unlikely.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Caicedo is poised to leave the Seagulls, but Mirror Football understands that Arsenal are focusing on Southampton star Romeo Lavia, instead of the Ecuador international.

Despite submitting a third bid for Rice, who could cost £100m, Arsenal are also pushing ahead for Lavia and will offer Saints £40m for the young Belgian midfielder.

Read more here.

Timber price set

Jurrien Timber looks set to leave Ajax this summer (Getty Images)

Ajax will demand €60m (£51m) if they are to sell Jurrien Timber to Arsenal, according to De Telegraaf.

Timber has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, but the Gunners have recently emerged as a genuine contender for the Netherlands international’s signature.

Reports from the Netherlands say that Timber does not have a release clause, meaning Arsenal will have to negotiate with Ajax. While they want €60m, there is an expectation he will only cost between €40m and €50m (£34m-£42m).

The young defender is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Jorginho will stay

Jorginho will stay at Arsenal (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Jorginho will stay at Arsenal this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

The Italy international, 31, joined the Gunners from Chelsea in January and still has a year remaining on his contract, which contains an option for another 12 months. Arteta praised Jorginho for his "deep leadership skills" and "intelligence" upon signing him.

Lazio are interested in signing Jorginho, but the midfielder wants to stay at Arsenal. Lazio are managed by Maurizio Sarri, who coached Jorginho at Napoli and Chelsea. Arteta will want to keep hold of the midfielder, with Xhaka set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes

Felix Keith