Arsenal's summer transfer business is starting to accelerate as the Gunners look to make a number of moves that will ideally strengthen them for next season. The north London side made an unexpected push for the Premier League title last season, but narrowly missed out to Manchester City.
With ambitions of going one step further next campaign, along with improvements in both domestic competitions and a return to the Champions League on the cards, there are plenty of additions that could provide an impact. football.london understands that Declan Rice is the top priority for Arsenal, who have seen an opening offer - worth a total of £80million - rejected by West Ham with further bids expected.
On top of the Hammers captain, a move for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz appears to have picked up traction quickly in the transfer window. football.london understands that interest from the Gunners is genuine, though they won't match the £70million valuation set by their London rivals.
The confidence surrounding a deal seems to have picked up though, as Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been agreed, with a deal expected to be completed after the international break. With the addition of the 24-year-old, Mikel Arteta has yet another versatile player for the forward ranks.
However, that means yet more players to split game time between, potentially restricting minutes for those already within the ranks. One starlet this could impact especially is Folarin Balogun, who has returned to London Colney from his loan at Reims in Ligue 1 - where he had a breakout campaign.
There's uncertainty surrounding his place at Arsenal though as football.london understands that the USMNT international will be free to leave this summer in search of more game time. The north London side could fetch a reasonable fee for the 21-year-old, with plenty of interest.
According to the Express, Crystal Palace are one of the teams interested in a move, with a potential buy-back clause included in a deal. It could allow the side to receive a decent fee, bring in Havertz and then make a return bid for Balogun in the future if he were to fit in the side better.
That in itself may be the best scenario for all parties and while it may cost more in the future to bring him back due to the clause, that's merely the price for development. The Gunners have plenty of ruthless decisions to make this summer, with the key ones potentially making or breaking their summer.
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