Arsenal fans were sent into a transfer frenzy on Sunday night as they spotted what may be a hint towards a double announcement for transfer targets Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber this summer. It comes as talks progress to land the duo in deals that will see the side's transfer spend reach the £200million mark.
The Gunners have worked quickly to ensure their business this summer is conducted and concluded as swiftly as possible, already tying up a switch for Kai Havertz. The Germany international joins the north London club from rivals Chelsea in a deal that could be worth up to £65million.
While the 24-year-old is expected to add cover in both the midfield and forward ranks, there's still work to be done for the side to close the gap on rivals Manchester City. Winning the race to sign Rice is viewed as a big step in that direction this summer, with a tussle over the England international occurring.
After Arsenal saw two opening bids from West Ham rejected for the 24-year-old - at £80million and £90million packages - City joined the race. They saw their initial offer turned down too until the Gunners made a club-record bid, with the Hammers agreeing a deal in principle at £105million.
The finer details still need to be worked upon, with the installments being the major difference between the two sides at this stage, but there is a confidence that a compromise will be reached. Then there's the switch for Timber, the young and versatile Ajax defender who's also of interest to Mikel Arteta.
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While Ajax rejected a first bid, discussions have seemingly progressed to the point where an agreement is reported to be close around the £40million mark. With the pair set to join for big fees, there's naturally excitement from the Arsenal supporters as to when they will finally be announced.
Some on social media believe they've been given a hint from Arsenal themselves as to when the transfers will be concluded, in the form of stadium tours. The club have announced that on July 3 some routes of the tour will be closed at the Emirates Stadium, while July 8 will see all routes closed.
The reason is labelled as "club activity", which could range from a potential signing and photoshoot to health and safety or other hospitality. Many were of the belief that it will be for Rice and Timber, with one fan saying: "[William] Saliba, Reiss [Nelson], [Jurrien] Timber and [Declan] Rice announcements."
It remains to be seen if that is the case, however each of the moves appears to be edging closer to a case of "when" rather than "if" in the transfer window.
