Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Gunners.
Manchester United make late surge for Rice
Manchester United are said to be keen on pushing a swap deal in order to entice West Ham into parting with Declan Rice this summer as Erik ten Hag makes a move to beat Arsenal to the 24-year-old.
The Telegraph write that the Red Devils would offer Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay in a player-plus-cash deal to try and steal a march on Arsenal, who had their second bid for the West Ham captain rejected earlier this week
The Gunners have already made two club record offers for the midfielder, who is seen as their priority signging for the window but have been sent back without any luck. Now they face competition from United, who have been long-term admirers of Rice and could soon be bankrolled by Qatari billions coming in from Sheikh Jassim.
football.london says: Beware, Arsenal. This sort of thing is their worst nightmare. After moving into pole position to make a statement signing and secure Rice this summer they are now hitting stumbling blocks and finding the competition quickly advancing.
With Manchester City, Chelsea and United all still interested in the player this is West Ham's dream. They wish to create a bidding war and while football.london understands the Gunners are not going to be drawn into overpaying for Rice, they will not want to let this one go.
READ MORE: Declan Rice sends Bukayo Saka one-word message amid Arsenal transfer decision
As United make offers and Chelsea sell players, increasing their funds, the quicker any progress can be made for Rice, the better. If not they risk a nervy period of waiting to see what their more wealthy rivals are ready to do.
Arsenal line up Amadou Onana
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana could be set for a surprise move this summer as Arsenal have now made him one of their options for a potential Rice back-up, according to Dutch outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
The Belgium international was one of the few shining lights for the Toffees last season and has been continuing to attract interest ever since he started out at Goodison Park. The 21-year-old is understood to be on Chelsea's radar as well.
However, at just £39 million ($49m), he is a much cheaper option when compared with Moises Caicedo and Rice and offers Premier League experience.
READ MORE: When Kai Havertz to Arsenal transfer can be completed as £65m deal is struck and medical booked
football.london says: This isn't one we saw coming. Arsenal have been fishing in a pond full of much bigger fish ever since they made a rapid rise up the table and have instead turned their attentions to bigger names. To see them now seemingly discussing Onana is a strange one.
There would be sense to this, though. Arsenal still need to make additions elsewhere in their squad and would be spending over £160million ($205m) if they agreed a deal for Rice as well as Kai Havertz. With Nicolas Pepe still their record signing, it wouldn't be outlandish to suggest that they aren't about to sign both Rice and Caicedo as well as Havertz and a world-class centre back.
For this reason it makes sense to suggest that back-up options are being looked at and in Onana they have a player that fits the profile of their squad.
