Arsenal's transfer business has been swift this summer as they look to strengthen and solidify their ranks for the season ahead and beyond. Kai Havertz was confirmed as the first signing of the window, joining on a deal worth up to £65million from London rivals Chelsea, with Mikel Arteta hinting at his ambition to play him in midfield.
There are still some other deals lined up, with a switch for Declan Rice from West Ham seemingly the next transfer lined up for the north London outfit. football.london understands that the Gunners made a club-record offer for the England international on Tuesday, with reports claiming of an agreement in principal for £105million.
Negotiations also continue for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber as a first bid for the 22-year-old was rejected, but a second offer worth roughly £40million still being considered. Those three deals could total a huge £200million spend in the market, but it shows a clear sign of intent from Arsenal.
That's not the only business they've managed to conduct so far, having made a concerted effort to keep hold of some of their best talent for the future too. Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have signed contract extensions in recent months.
football.london also understands that William Saliba has agreed a deal in principal, while progress is being made on keeping Reiss Nelson beyond his contract that expires this summer. That effort is a huge part of the foundation looking to be built at Arsenal, but there's more to come.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Medical booked, Declan Rice £105m deal, Lavia talk, Tchouameni move
According to Fabrizio Romano, young talent Ethan Nwaneri is nearing an agreement for a deal that will keep him with the club, despite interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. The midfielder has impressed in the youth ranks and broke a record for the youngest player to play in the top flight at just 15-years-old last season in a substitute appearance against Brentford.
At just 16-years-old, there's plenty more that could come from the academy star, who is looking set to extend his stay with the Gunners.
