Arsenal working on three more signings after Declan Rice with deal ‘almost done’
Arsenal is eager to secure the signing of Declan Rice and, once that deal is finalized with West Ham, they aim to make at least three additional acquisitions. While they are reportedly nearing an agreement on the fee for Rice, the Gunners have no intention of concluding their transfer activity there.
For several months, there have been ongoing rumors linking Rice with a transfer to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has expressed quiet confidence in securing the deal, and it seems that West Ham is not opposed to the move.
Rice recently captained West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League in Prague, but it appears that this triumph might mark his final game for the club he joined as a 14-year-old.
According to The Guardian, Arsenal and West Ham are close to finalizing a fee for the transfer. If certain additional conditions are met, the Gunners are prepared to pay over £100 million to acquire the services of the midfielder.
The signing of Declan Rice by Arsenal will surpass the club’s previous transfer record of £72 million. Despite this significant expenditure, Mikel Arteta remains eager to bolster the squad further by securing a minimum of three additional signings.
It is widely known that Arsenal is in need of reinforcements in the full-back positions. Several players, including Joao Cancelo, Ivan Fresneda, and Sacha Boey, have been linked with a potential move to the Emirates Stadium. The latest name to emerge as a rumored target is Timothy Castagne, who plays for Leicester City.
Leicester City, having been relegated, are reportedly willing to sell the talented Belgian star. Castagne’s versatility is appealing as he can provide cover for both the right-back and left-back positions, especially considering the uncertain long-term future of Kieran Tierney at Arsenal.
Arsenal is also looking to strengthen their options at the center-back position. The team faced defensive challenges in the final weeks of the season, particularly after William Saliba suffered an injury. Consequently, Arsenal is keen to bolster their defensive line by recruiting a new center-back.
Rob Holding received strong criticism for his performances when filling in for William Saliba, highlighting the need for additional center-back options at Arsenal. With the team’s return to the Champions League next season, acquiring cover for Saliba becomes crucial. One player linked to Arsenal as a potential signing is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
In midfield, Mikel Arteta is determined to make another addition despite the significant investment in Declan Rice. Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is a target, but his club is likely to demand around £80 million for the Ecuador international. There is competition from Chelsea, who possess greater financial resources. As an alternative, Arteta might consider pursuing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the month.
The potential re-signing of Reiss Nelson on a new long-term contract could lessen the immediate need for attacking reinforcements. However, Arteta remains proactive and ambitious in the transfer market, with at least three more signings planned after securing the deal for Declan Rice.
Arsenal working on three more signings after Declan Rice with deal ‘almost done’
