Our Arsenal summer business part 1 article discusses the Gunners’ early moves in the 2023 summer transfer window. Arsenal has not yet officially completed any signings, but they have agreed on one player departure. Arsenal also re-signed Saliba. Let’s get into all of it.

Arsenal Summer Business Part 1: Kai Havertz Looks Set to Join Arsenal

The Gunners’ and specifically Arteta’s interest in Kai Havertz has been quite surprising to many Arsenal fans. However, the Gunners have reportedly been speaking to Havertz and his representatives for a while now. Havertz appears to set to join Arsenal, although an official transfer has not been completed as of the time of this writing.

Still, this new comes from Sky Sports Germany, so it is a reliable source. Havertz has scored only 19 goals in 91 appearances since joining Chelsea in 2020. However, the situation at Chelsea has not been ideal for him (or for many other players) and Havertz is clearly quite talented. Kai Havertz also recently turned 24 years old, so he is in the prime years of his career.

If Arsenal can get this deal done for a reasonable fee, Havertz could add some size and physicality to their attack. That could give the Gunners’ attack another dimension and give them more options if their usual attacking tactics are not working. At times last season, Arsenal could have benefited from the ability to play a forward with height, size, and better aerial ability.

Havertz to Arsenal is certainly intriguing and it does seem like that deal will be completed relatively soon. Major developments will likely happen after the end of the current international break.

West Ham Mull Over Arsenal’s Second Bid for Declan Rice

Declan Rice is the Gunners’ top midfield target in this summer transfer window. That much has been clear for some time. West Ham rejected Arsenal’s first bid for Declan Rice.

However, West Ham are still considering Arsenal’s second bid for Declan Rice. The second bid is worth up to 100 million pounds consisting of 90 million pounds up front and 10 million pounds in potential future add-ons. It is good that West Ham have not rejected this second bid yet.

Declan Rice would be a transformative signing for Arsenal’s midfield. It would also be reassuring given the uncertainty of Granit Xhaka’s and Thomas Partey’s futures with the Gunners. Hopefully, Arsenal will complete the deal to sign Declan Rice shortly after the end of the current international break.

Arsenal Summer Business Part 1: William Saliba Officially Re-Signs with Arsenal

Saliba seemed likely to sign a new contract with Arsenal, as previously covered. However, Saliba has now officially signed a new contract with the Gunners. His previous deal was going to run out in 2024.

Now, Saliba’s new contract runs until at least 2027. This new contract also includes the option for an additional year. Saliba was one of Arsenal’s best players in the 2022-23 Premier League season and retaining him is a significant step in the right direction for the club.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles Will Leave Arsenal This Summer

Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of six. He made 132 appearances across all competitions after breaking through to the first team at the age of 17. Maitland-Niles won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020 and scored in Arsenal’s penalty shootout to help the club win the 2020 Community Shield against Liverpool.

Arsenal confirmed that Maitland-Niles will leave Arsenal this summer after his contract expires. This was an expected departure in many ways. Maitland-Niles was largely a faithful servant to Arsenal and hopefully, he does well at whichever club he joins next.

Arsenal Continues to Be Active Early in the 2023 Summer Window

The Gunners continue to be active in reshaping their first-team squad early on in this summer transfer window. There could be some completed transfers fairly soon. Havertz and Rice signing for Arsenal would be an eventful start to the window. I would bet that Havertz will be an Arsenal player before this summer window closes, given all the information available about that situation.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.