Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Gunners.
Man City make massive bid
Arsenal have to watch on as Manchester City flex their muscles in the transfer market, and it has come at the worst possible time for the Gunners. With Pep Guardiola's side heavily pushing for Declan Rice, the last thing Mikel Arteta wants is to see the true depths of the financial capabilities of their closest rivals.
They have now sprung to life with an agreement of £35million ($44.5m) for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic as well leading the way to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. The centre-back is set to cost them well over £95million ($120m) as the release clause in his contract doesn't take effect until 2024 but is the price set by the Germans.
football.london says: This could be both a huge blow for Arsenal or a true piece of added hope. If City are going so strongly after Gvardiol it could open the door for Arsenal to swoop in and prize Rice away from West Ham. On the other hand, it may well be the proof that Guardiola's men are going to go extremely strong this window.
After letting Ilkay Gundogan go as well as moving on from Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the past two years, there is room for additions to be made in their squad. Bernardo Silva could yet leave, too, creating even more space.
Arsenal will be able to fight for Rice no matter what but depending on how much budget is actually handed to City this summer, signing Gvardiol could make or break their activity.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Timber on 'verge', Havertz 'confirmed' £40m Lavia bid
Rice talks
Well, speaking of Rice, City are said to have held initial talks with the West Ham captain over a transfer. As they step up their attempts to persuade the 24-year-old to move north rather than stay in London, it is reported that City wish to confirm Rice's potential interest in a move to Manchester before making a bid.
It is believed that Rice is keen on remaining in London and prefers a move to Arsenal but that came before City's public interest. Now, it is said in the Mirror that Guardiola's side will be seeking confirmation that Rice actually wants to be part of the project at the Etihad Stadium.
Although this is unlikely to prove too much of an issue, West Ham hold most control over his future, it poses as a blow for the Gunners as they seek to make progress with a deal for their priority target. With the lure of being favourites for almost every competition he would enter with City, it is quite the battle for Arsenal.
football.london says: Arsenal would still be able to push through a deal for Rice even if he is edging towards the Etihad Stadium. He has two of the most attractive offers in the world at his table and Arsenal are certainly one of them.
When City come knocking it is hard to turn down. Their presence in the global game is staggering and the chance to play under Guardiola is one that a player like Rice would definitely be intrigued by. However, if Arsenal match City and can find a way to persuade West Ham that their offer is the best, he would be just as lucky to be under the tutelage of Arteta and in a developing team like Arsenal.
