The summer transfer window has been open for less than a week and Arsenal's business is already underway. A host of players have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium while others are faced with potential exits.
After pushing Manchester City the distance in the Premier League title race last season, the 2023/24 campaign is an opportunity for the Gunners to compete for the league and UEFA Champions League. To do so, Mikel Arteta is looking to make plenty of upgrades to his squad this summer.
football.london understands that Declan Rice is the top priority at London Colney. A bid worth a total of £80million has already been turned down by West Ham but Arsenal are expected to submit an improved offer.
Further up the field, football.london understands Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is a real target. Confidence that a deal can be struck seems to be gathering pace too, with various reports indicating that personal terms have been agreed.
The main stumbling block for the transfer is Chelsea's asking price. It's understood that Arsenal's Premier League rivals want £70million for the German international, a fee sporting director Edu Gaspar is keen to bring down.
Like Rice, Arsenal have already had a bid of £55million including add-ons turned down for Havertz. A compromise is hoped to be reached between the two clubs, with Chelsea facing an upcoming FFP deadline.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice bid, Romeo Lavia plan, Kai Havertz move 'close'
In order to balance their books after spending over £600million in the last two windows, the Blues will be able to include any paid exits in their financial accounts for 2022/23 should they take place before June 30.
If Arsenal continue to fall short in Chelsea's valuation of Havertz, they have a diamond in their ranks that has attracted plenty of interest of late whou could play a part in raising funds for the deal.
Folarin Balogun is expected to leave the club on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell at Reins in France. football.london understands the USMNT international will be free to leave in search of more game time and there's a long line of suitors. Inter Milan, Napoli and AC Milan have all been linked with the striker, with Premier League side Crystal Palace also keen.
And Balogun's services will continue to be in demand in the coming weeks after his performances for the USMNT in the last week. After helping the United States defeat rivals Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final on Friday, the 21-year-old netted his first senior international goal on Monday morning.
He timed his run to perfection from Gio Reyna's through ball before firing past Milan Borjan to double the USA's lead and help them to their second straight Nations League title.
Balogun is already highly-valued by Arsenal, with them reportedly wanting around £35million for his services this summer. However, his international heroics are likely to see interest increase and give Arsenal the chance to recoup the required millions to land Havertz.
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