The biggest story of the transfer window’s opening month is drawing to a close with Declan Rice finally set to have his medical ahead of a £105m move to Arsenal.
And it is expected to be a doubly fantastic Friday for head coach Mikel Arteta as another of the Gunners’ major targets, Jurrien Timber, is also scheduled to undergo his physical examination before finalising a £38.5m move from Ajax.
The deal to sign England midfielder star Rice from West Ham was agreed several days ago following a third bid which will see Arsenal pay a guaranteed £100m with £5m in performance-related add-ons. Manchester City had shown some interest in the Europa Conference League winner but considered his asking price too high because he had only one year remaining on his contract at West Ham. Rice has long preferred a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal reached agreement with Ajax to sign Timber on Tuesday. They are expected to pay a guaranteed £34.2m for the 22-year-old Netherlands defender, who can play at centre half and right back, with the additional £4.3m dependent on performances.
Meanwhile, defender William Saliba is in the process of sealing a new five-year contract to keep him at the club and confirmation could arrive over the weekend. Reports suggest that the new contract will not include a release clause after Saliba’s form last season won him admirers from a number of Europe’s top clubs.
The France centre back was vital to last season’s title charge and Arsenal’s form notably tailed off when he injured his back in early March.
Arsenal have already confirmed the £65m signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea while homegrown stars Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson have agreed new signings as Arteta and technical director Edu look to close the gap on champions City.
On Thursday it was confirmed that Granit Xhaka had joined Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5m deal - but the midfielder, 30, was only allowed to leave after it became certain that Rice was heading from east to north London.
“We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club,” Arteta said of the Swiss international who experienced a tumultuous seven seasons at the Emirates which included supporters turning their back on him before last season’s redemption.
“The influence Granit has had on his team mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is. We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”
