Arsenal's transfer business is heating up, as Mikel Arteta closes in on making his first signing of the summer window.
The Gunners are on the verge of sealing a £65million deal with Chelsea to sign Kai Havertz. On Sunday, former Blues team-mate and current Arsenal midfielder Jorginho dropped a major hint regarding the imminent move, posting a selfie alongside Havertz on Instagram with a series of telling emojis.
But it's not just the German forward who's heading nearer to North London, but also Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. The Dutchman believes that he already has an agreement to join Arteta and co this summer, but just like in their ongoing pursuit of Declan Rice, the Gunners will have to meet an asking price.
Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from the Emirates.
Timber personal terms agreed
Jurrien Timber has agreed a five-year deal with Arsenal, who still need to strike an agreement with Ajax over his transfer fee. Having seen their opening offer which was worth £30million rejected, the Gunners have lodged a second bid for the Netherlands international centre-back which is believed to be worth roughly £38m.
The Guardian report that talks between Timber's representatives and the Arsenal hierarchy have progressed so well that the Dutch defender already knows the kind of lucrative contract which he'd be signing. Ex-Manchester United target Timber, 22, can also play at right-back which would make him a handy alternative option for Mikel Arteta.
Have your say! Is £38m a sensible price to pay for Jurrien Timber? Let us know in the comments section.
Arsenal identity Rice alternative
Arsenal are planning to make a move for highly-rated French midfielder Youssouf Fofana should they fail to sign top target Declan Rice from West Ham. Fofana, 24, starred for Monaco last season and represented France at the World Cup in a show of his increasing pedigree.
With West Ham demanding at least £100m for Rice, the Gunners are sifting through backup targets and Fofana has emerged as one. According to L'Equipe, Arsenal would be battling Newcastle for the 24-year-old's sough-after services. Curiously, West Ham are also interested, as even if Rice doesn't join the Gunners, he could still sign for the likes of Manchester City, rivals United or Chelsea.
Read the full story HERE.
Havertz deal details emerge
Details of Kai Havertz's £65m transfer to Arsenal have emerged, with the Chelsea forward's move across London all but confirmed. As reported by Sky Germany, Mikel Arteta has been the driving force behind the Gunners' pursuit of Havertz, 24, despite his three mixed campaigns at Stamford Bridge.
The Germany international will complete the final parts of his medical this week before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Emirates.
