Arsenal's summer transfer activity is ramping up, with bids reported to have been made for both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as the Gunners set their sights on a shortlist of targets.
It is set to be an exciting summer, with last season's title challenge and subsequent Champions League qualification providing a strong platform to target big names in the transfer window. Aside from Rice and Havertz, a central defender is also thought to be desired by Arteta.
The club's playing staff are currently either away with their countries or on international duty and are set to gather back together for pre season later this month ahead of what is expected to be a huge season.
Here is the latest Arsenal transfer news on Sunday, 18th June:
Arsenal may pair Declan Rice with teenager
Declan Rice's Arsenal move is leading the headlines, but his potential partner in the middle of the park next season could be Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
Initially, speculation suggested that Brighton's Moises Caicedo was to be the second midfield signing of Arsenal's summer. However, Lavia has been identified as a suitable alternative, with the highly-rated teenager expected to leave the Saints following their relegation to the Championship last season.
Read more here.
Kai Havertz told he is "not the right signing"
Arsenal have already submitted their first bid for Chelsea star Kai Havertz and seen the offer rejected, which may be a good thing in the eyes of one former Gunners star.
Ray Parlour has publicly questioned why his old side are pursuing the Germany international considering he has struggled to truly settle during his three years at Stamford Bridge. Havertz was a regular in a Blues side that endured one of the worst campaigns in their modern history last term.
Read more here.
Mikel Arteta stance on PSG job clear
Mikel Arteta remains happy at Arsenal despite having been contacted by French giants Paris Saint-Germain regarding their managerial vacancy.
The Ligue 1 champions are on the search for a new boss following Christophe Galtier’s exit at the end of the season. A number of candidates have been sounded out as they attempt to appoint a new manager.
Talks to bring Julian Nagelsmann to the French club are believed to have broken down, with Luciano Spalletti also out of the running. However, Arteta has ruled out a move to PSG, at least in the short term, and is set to remain at Arsenal.
Read more here.