Arsenal are planning to complete a major midfield rebuild in just one transfer window. Granit Xhaka kicked off plans by agreeing a £13million move to Bayer Leverkusen in May, but that departure will only be confirmed once a new addition has been agreed.
That confirmation could come soon as football.london understands that Kai Havertz will be joining the Gunners from Chelsea in a deal worth £60million with an additional £5million in add-ons. The Germany international featured at the tip of the Blues attack for the majority of the 2022/23 season, but Mikel Arteta has already confirmed to the player his intention to deploy him in an advanced midfield role, according to Sport BILD.
The Gunners are hopeful he will be joined in that department by West Ham's Declan Rice with a third bid being prepared in north London. Manchester City saw their first offer, worth £80million up front and a further £10million in add-ons, turned down, but they, like Arsenal, are expected to return with an improved offer.
Rice arriving could see Thomas Partey's game time diminish, but a summer exit is possible for the Ghana international. CBS Sports have claimed that Saudi trio Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Khaleej are all interested, but Partey would prefer to stay in Europe with Juventus making contact over a potential move.
Clubs from the Middle East are willing to pay €40million (£34.4million) through instalments to sign the 30-year-old whereas Juventus believe a fee between €18million-€20million (£15million-£17million) is more feasible. Despite two midfielders possibly leaving and given he had only arrived in the January transfer window, Jorginho was being strongly linked with a move to Lazio.
The main reason for the transfer talks involved former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri being in charge of the Italian club as he was the one who initially brought Jorginho to the Premier League. However, a reunion does not appear on the cards with his agent Joao Santo suggesting his client will stay in north London this summer.
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Speaking to Tv Play, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, he said: "It's not about the interest of Lazio or their budget. I can confirm that Jorginho is very happy at Arsenal. In our plans it’s only Arsenal for next season. No negotiations with Lazio."
Jorginho definitely remaining at Arsenal could result in Arteta giving the firm green light for Partey to depart the club with the chance of a significant windfall also being secured. The Gunners are currently £10million away from the Hammers' asking price and the departure of Partey for significant funds could help the north Londoners reach that figure.
The former Atletico Madrid man leaving could also make a move for Brighton's Moises Caicedo a possibility, according to The Times' Gary Jacob. Romeo Lavia, Gabri Veiga and Martin Zubimendi have also been listed as options in midfield for Arteta and Edu.
