Arsenal close in on £105m Declan Rice transfer after Kai Havertz completes move

29 June 2023 , 03:00
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Declan Rice appears to be on the verge of joining Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Declan Rice appears to be on the verge of joining Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are set for a major spending spree this summer as they look to build on an impressive campaign under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners finished second in the Premier League, their best finish since Arsene Wenger left the club, and are set to return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. In order to capitalise on their progress under Arteta, Arsenal are set to bring in a number of new faces.

Kai Havertz's £65m move from Chelsea has now been officially confirmed, while the transfer of Declan Rice from West Ham is also close. As a result of the Gunners' spending, several significant departures are also expected.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from the Emirates.

Rice close to record move

West Ham midfielder Rice is Arteta's top summer transfer target and Arsenal are on the brink of getting their man, having made a £105m offer.

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

It is their third official bid for Rice and all parties are now close to finalising the transfer. Despite the overall offer meeting West Ham's demands, the way Arsenal structured the deal did not with the Gunners looking to pay £75m up front, £25m spread over the five years of the contract plus £5m in add-ons.

However, the two clubs are now in final discussions to reach a resolution, with an agreement edging ever closer. Rice is keen on the move and Arsenal are hoping to get the deal done as soon as possible.

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Arsenal close in on £105m Declan Rice transfer after Kai Havertz completes moveKai Havertz's first interview as an Arsenal player has been leaked

Havertz confirmed after interview leaked

Havertz's move from Chelsea to Arsenal has been officially announced after his announcement video and first interview with club media appeared to have leaked online.

Arsenal have agreed to fork out £65m for the Germany international, but Havertz released an emotional statement 15 minutes before both clubs confirmed the move where he apologised to Chelsea fans for the leak. "I would have preferred for you to hear my thoughts on leaving Chelsea first from myself before my thoughts on me joining my new team," he said.

"This isn’t my style and it upsets me that you had to hear of it in this way. Today, I find myself at a crossroads, where words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling. It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey."

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Arsenal close in on £105m Declan Rice transfer after Kai Havertz completes moveJorginho wants to stay at Arsenal (AFP via Getty Images)

Jorginho's agent addresses future

Despite suggestions Jorginho could be on the move this summer, with former boss Maurizio Sarri reportedly keen on a reunion at Lazio, the midfielder's agent Joao Santos has insisted his client will be going nowhere.

"Jorginho is very happy with Arsenal who have a very important championship to play, at the beginning of August there is the Community Shield," he told Italy's TV Play. "There is no negotiation with Lazio. I don't know if they have the money to pay the player, but that's not the question.

"He stays really well at Arsenal and in our mind, for the next season, there is only the Gunners. The theme is clear: the project for next year is to stay at Arsenal which can become the most important team in England. Coach Arteta is the most important in the Premier League, he understands modern football like no-one else and, obviously, someone like Jorginho goes very well with someone like him."

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

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Matthew Cooper

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