Arsenal ‘confident’ of winning transfer race as Man Utd eye midfielder swoop

Arsenal head into the 2023/24 Premier League season in confident mood despite finishing 2nd in the table last term behind Manchester City. The Gunners have the return of the Champions League to the Emirates Stadium to look forward to.

The transfer window is now open and Mikel Arteta has the chance to further bolster his ranks with some signings. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours coming out of the club...

Defender update

Arsenal are ‘confident’ of striking a deal to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer despite seeing their first bid for the versatile full-back rejected by his current club, as per a report by talkSPORT. The Gunners have identified the 22-year-old as someone who will add more competition and depth to their defensive department ahead of the next campaign as they look to go toe-to-toe with City for top spot again.

Timber, who is a Holland international with 15 caps under his belt so far in his career, was at the World Cup with his national this past winter in Qatar. He has made 160 appearances so far in his career and has scored six goals from the back.

Battle for midfield star

It is no secret that Arsenal are keen to land Declan Rice from West Ham over the next couple of months. However, the London club will need to see off competition from league rivals Manchester United if they are to land his signature.

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils are ‘ready’ to rival the Gunners for the England international as they look to inject more quality into their ranks at Old Trafford. The report also adds that Erik ten Hag would be willing to use Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay as part of any deal.