Despite having bids rejected for the West Ham and Chelsea players, Arsenal FC ‘are extremely confident about signing Declan Rice AND Kai Havertz this summer’ – as Mikel Arteta tries to mount another title challenge.
ARSENAL
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Arsenal are in the ‘advanced stages’ of talks with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, and are’very confident’ of bringing both players in this summer.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League last season and are looking to strengthen their team ahead of another title challenge and their first Champions League campaign in eight years.
According to Sky Germany, Mikel Arteta’s team has been one of the most proactive in the market and actually close to signing both the West Ham captain and the wanted Chelsea forward.
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Declan Rice, who last month guided the Hammers to the Europa Conference League, has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, a move to the Emirates is growing more likely.
The north London club’s initial £90 million approach for the 24-year-old was turned down, but a better offer might seal the deal as West Ham are seeking a transfer fee of £100 million.
The gifted youngster played 37 league games for West Ham last season, scoring four goals, and would be an upgrade on ex-captain Granit Xhaka, who is scheduled to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Despite a disappointing three-year stint at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea forward Havertz would be a quality upgrade. Since his £72 million signing in 2020, the German international has made 139 appearances for the Blues.
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His winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City was certainly his best moment with the club, although form and fitness have been reoccurring concerns throughout his Chelsea tenure.
Arsenal emerged as an unlikely destination for the star last week, however, unlike Rice, the Gunners face competition for his signing, with German champions Bayern Munich keen to reunite him with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.
Havertz’s fee could amount to £70 million, putting Arsenal’s spending far ahead of previous summers. It would be the strongest indication yet that the club is prepared to launch an actual challenge for big titles.
