‘He’ll sign’ - Update on £65m Arsenal target dropped as Declan Rice alternative identified

Arsenal have their fingers in a lot of pies right now as they look to bolster their squad this summer ahead of another exciting Premier League season. Their pursuit of Declan Rice is one of the most discussed topics of the transfer window but they’ve had no luck in prying him from West Ham’s claws yet.

Here is the latest on Arsenal’s mission to sign Rice, as well as further transfer updates in North London.

Arsenal identify Rice alternative

The Gunners remain heavily invested in signing Rice this summer but after three rejected bids, they’ve been weighing up alternative options. West Ham are holding their ground and will not budge on their £100 million price tag for the midfielder, thwarting Arsenal’s attempts to sign Rice for a cut fee.

L’Equipe has since linked Arteta’s side to a move for Youssouf Fofana, who is entering his final year with Monaco. They do face competition from other Premier League sides though, including Newcastle United and West Ham. If the price is right though, Fofana will be permitted to leave the club this summer, and likely for a much lower fee with him being valued at €25 million (£21m) by Transfermarkt.

Arteta ‘very close’ to getting his man

While progress with Rice has stalled, another midfielder deal appears to be flying. The Gunners are now in the final stages of completing their deal for Kai Havertz, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth. He recently told GiveMeSport that that the German star’s medical was likely “happening over the weekend” and it either has or is close to being completed.

“That’s the direction of travel. I think the medical was happening over the weekend abroad,” Sheth said. “We think it might have been in Spain just to fit in with the player’s schedule. I think Arsenal went to him, so we think that that medical will have been completed or close to being completed over the weekend and today.

“Personal terms are not expected to be a problem at all. He’ll sign a long-term contract at Arsenal. A formal announcement on that £65 million deal will be coming in the coming days, you would expect. So Kai Havertz is very close to swapping Chelsea for Arsenal.”