Arsenal may now face stiff competition in their quest to sign Declan Rice this summer - but he's not the only star the club is currently bidding for.
The North London club have already had a a £30million offer turned down for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who is another of their primary targets in a spending spree that is set to exceed £200 million. The Dutch international has been at his current club since 2019, helping them to two Eredivisie titles.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool. Indeed, Timber's versatility, able to play as a centre back or a right back, makes him an attractive proposition for Europe's top clubs.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of the player and is keen to bolster defensive reinforcements amid his team's collapse in the title race last season. Much of their stumbling end-of-season form was attributed to the injury of William Saliba, who was out from March with a back problem.
It is of little surprise therefore that the club are preparing a second, improved offer for Timber. According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League runners up will table an improved £50m bid later this week.
Timber is reportedly keen to move to England's top flight, and could be part of an overhaul at the Emirates with Arteta determined to challenge Man City again next season. The club have had two bids rejected for England star Rice, but despite City's interest, he too is said to prioritise a switch to Arsenal.
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But that will require Stan Kroenke and co to significantly up their bid. The initial figures offered of £75m and £90m have been rebuffed by the Hammers, who insist they want a sum in the region of £100m for their captain, which would rival Jack Grealish for the most expensive British transfer of all time.
Kai Havertz is also on the verge of joining from Chelsea, with Arteta also pursuing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. Should he land all four of his top targets, it could cost the Gunners in the region of £250m.
But outgoings are also being planned, with Thomas Partey expected to head to the Saudi Pro League. Granit Xhaka is also set to leave the club, whilst there is speculation over the futures of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney.
