Your Arsenal transfer round-up on Monday, June 19.
Triple Rice update
Arsenal have been handed several key updates in their transfer pursuit of West Ham star Declan Rice. The Gunners are still prioritising completing a summer move for Rice and a decision made by the Hammers has given the club a huge boost.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Europa Conference League champions have decided to prepare a first proposal to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer. The move will certainly be difficult but that plan being set hints Rice joining Arsenal is edging closer.
A second bid is set to arrive soon but according to the Daily Mail, there is no rush for West Ham to sell. It is also noted that Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all registered their interest, with West Ham sources revealing on Sunday that they expect bids to arrive from the interested parties within the next seven days.
Gareth Southgate also weighed on the transfer talk with a subtle hint that likely involves a reference to Rice. In a press conference ahead of England's clash with North Macedonia, he said: "The players are tapping each other up on the quiet anyway, I can't do anything about it."
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Partey replacement found
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could join Granit Xhaka in leaving the Gunners this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
On Twitter, he wrote: "Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit."
That report was quickly followed up by the latest on Arsenal's pursuit of his possible replacement which could be Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
"Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia," he said on Twitter. "Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place. Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024."
Arsenal eye Chiesa
Arsenal and Newcastle are set to battle it out this summer as the two Premier League sides eye a move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, per recent reports.
The 25-year-old has just two years remaining on his contract with the Old Lady and given their lack of Champions League football, they could be forced to make some sales.
Chiesa was recently questioned over his future, being coy when telling DAZN: "I have a training camp with the Italian national team and then we’ll play the Nations League Final Four, then we’ll see. Now I’m at Juventus and I’m thinking about the club."
Clubs have naturally circled the 25-year-old as doubts hang over his future, with a report from La Repubblica claiming that both Arsenal and Newcastle are in the race to sign him.
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