Our Arsenal summer business part 3 article discusses Arsenal moving forward on several different transfers. Arsenal has announced the signing of Kai Havertz, agreed to a transfer for Declan Rice, moved forward on a transfer for Jurrien Timber, and will not let Granit Xhaka depart for less than 20 million pounds. Let’s discuss all of this news.

Arsenal Summer Business Part 3: Arsenal Announces The Signing Of Kai Havertz

Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Kai Havertz. The Gunners will pay up to 67.5 million pounds (62.5 million pounds up front with a further 5 million pounds in potential future add-ons) to acquire Kai Havertz. Havertz has signed a five-year contract that runs until 2028.

This was a bit of an unexpected signing, but Havertz is a versatile player who is just coming into his prime years. He clearly has great talent, as he showed at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Chelsea. Hopefully, Arteta can help Havertz play well more consistently and Havertz will help Arsenal quite a bit next season.

Arsenal Agrees On A Record Transfer Fee with West Ham for Declan Rice

It is clear that Declan Rice was Arsenal’s number-one target heading into the 2023 summer transfer window. Thankfully, Arsenal has now agreed on a transfer fee with West Ham. The Gunners will pay 100 million pounds up front with a further 5 million pounds in potential future add-ons to sign Declan Rice.

This is a record transfer fee for Arsenal. It is a record transfer fee for a British player, at least at the time of this writing. However, Declan Rice is a phenomenal player who will help Arsenal reach the next level. This is a fantastic signing and a statement of intent by the Gunners.

The Gunners Close In on A Transfer for Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber was not someone Arsenal was expected to pursue, but the negotiations have continued for a while. According to several sources, the Gunners are in the final stages of negotiating with Ajax for Jurrien Timber. Arsenal has already agreed personal terms with Jurrien Timber.

Some expect that Arsenal will finalize the signing of Jurrien Timber in the coming week. Regardless, Timber would be an excellent signing for the Gunners. A transfer fee of 40-45 million pounds is expected to be enough to seal the deal, although this could change. Ideally, Arsenal will announce the signing of Timber and Rice this week.

Arsenal Summer Business Part 3: Arsenal Wants 20 Million Pounds to Sell Granit Xhaka

Given these new midfield additions, Granit Xhaka appears unlikely to remain at Arsenal. Xhaka is 30, but he just had the best season of his Arsenal career with 14 goal contributions in the 2022-23 season. As a result of that and his overall importance to the Gunners, Arsenal wants 20 million pounds to sell Granit Xhaka.

Bayer Leverkusen are the primary club interested in signing Xhaka, although Borussia Dortmund recently entered the race, as well. 20 million pounds seems like a fair fee, given Xhaka’s quality, much-improved maturity, and his role as a leader at Arsenal. It is good to see Arsenal sticking to their valuation and not selling Xhaka for less than he is worth.

We will see if Xhaka departs or if he sees out the final year of his contract with Arsenal.

Arsenal Could Announce The Signing of Declan Rice This Week

The Gunners will likely announce the signing of Declan Rice sometime this week. It will be great to see that official announcement. Declan Rice joining Arsenal is very exciting. Arsenal is moving forward on other transfers, as well. I would bet that Jurrien Timber will join Arsenal soon, too.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.