Arsenal could still make more moves in the summer transfer window despite finalising moves for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber on Wednesday. The Gunners had been in talks to sign the duo with West Ham and Ajax, respectively, and an agreement being reached for both was mostly dependent on the payment structure of the proposals sent from Emirates Stadium.
The first offer for Timber was worth £30 million, but Ajax rejected that approach and insisted their asking price was £50m, but there was an expectation that a compromise could be found. Following a second improved bid, football.london understands a £38.5m deal is now in place for the Gunners to sign the Netherlands international.
A verbal agreement for Rice was found last Wednesday after Arsenal's £105m proposal, but negotiations were still taking place regarding payment terms for the £100m up front fee. However, Arsenal can now begin finalising the move by scheduling a medical by agreeing to pay the £100m guaranteed fee over three instalments within the next 24 months.
Despite now spending over £200m on Rice, Timber and Kai Havertz, the Gunners could still welcome more arrivals, but it would likely depend on how many outgoings are sanctioned. Granit Xhaka is expected to be the first marquee departure with the Switzerland international set to join Bayer Leverkusen for £21.5 million, as football.london understands.
Kieran Tierney has also been linked with an exit after struggling to gain much game time during the 2022/23 season. A return to Celtic has not been ruled out, while Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown an interest.
After a great loan spell at Reims in Ligue 1, Folarin Balogun is expected to leave upon his return to Arsenal with first-team assurances unlikely to be offered by Arteta. Napoli, AC Milan and Crystal Palace are just a few teams said to be monitoring the 22-year-old striker with Arsenal now wanting at least £50m to green light a transfer.
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Thomas Partey could also seal a move away with the Gunners making it clear they will consider serious bids in excess of £30m, as per the Sun. The 30-year-old's future also has an impact on Arsenal's pursuit of Romeo Lavia with a move for the Southampton star only being pursued if Partey leaves.
The Saints are demanding an offer in the region of £50m amid competition for his signature with Liverpool and Chelsea. However, Edu and Arteta could have a suitable alternative in a player who may also want the move. Yunus Musah was once on the books of Arsenal, but he now plays his football in Spain with Valencia, however that may no longer be the case.
The Spanish outfit are reportedly open to selling the USMNT star and would accept a €20m (£17.1m) bid, making him far cheaper than Lavia. Musah has also previously commented on a return to Arsenal, hinting it could be possible. "You never know. I had a great time developing at Arsenal. I have friends there, the coaches are great, being an Arsenal player in general is great," he told CBS Sports, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
To add more intrigue to that possibility, Musah has now been spotted working ahead of the 2023/24 season wearing an Arsenal kit on the Elite Player Performance Instagram page. If any further additions are made by the Gunners they are expected to come in midfield and a return for Musah could certainly be on the cards if finances are a problem.
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