Arsenal officially announced the signings of Declan Rice from West Ham United and Jurrien Timber from Ajax. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is receiving interest from Saudi Arabia. Some reports indicate that Partey has already agreed personal terms with a Saudi Pro League club. Let’s take a deeper dive into all of this news.
Arsenal Summer Business Part 5: Arsenal Finally Announced The Signing of Declan Rice
The Gunners finally announced the signing of Declan Rice. There was some speculation amongst Arsenal fans regarding the delay of the announcement. However, Declan Rice is officially now an Arsenal player.
This signing wasn’t always easy or even certain, especially after Manchester City made a 90 million pound bid for Rice. Regardless, Rice’s preference was reportedly always to join Arsenal and he has gotten his wish. Rice will cost Arsenal at least 100 million pounds, if not 105 million pounds.
Even so, Declan Rice is a transformative signing for Arsenal. It will be great to see Rice play in his new #41 Arsenal shirt. Hopefully, Rice can play in one of Arsenal’s remaining preseason games soon.
Arsenal Announced The Signing of Jurrien Timber
Additionally, Arsenal also announced the signing of Jurrien Timber. The Gunners were working to complete this deal alongside the signing of Rice and they have done so. Timber is a promising young defender at only 22 years old.
Arsenal clearly needed to add defensive depth and signing Timber accomplishes that. Timber is also a versatile player, so he can play at center-back or at right-back. That depends on the Gunners’ needs.
In any case, Timber’s abilities on the ball will give Arsenal a new dimension. Timber will reportedly join Arsenal on their US preseason tour alongside Rice. Ideally, Timber can play in a preseason game soon so he can start adjusting to Arsenal’s system.
Arsenal Summer Business Part 5: Thomas Partey Has Received Interest from Saudi Arabia
Partey is an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield. However, the Gunners might face some competition to keep him at the club. Thomas Partey has reportedly received interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Some reports claim that Partey has already agreed personal terms with a Saudi Pro League club. Arsenal should do everything they can to keep Thomas Partey. The Gunners reportedly want 35-40 million pounds to sell Partey.
We will see what happens. It would be best if Partey stays with Arsenal. If not, Arsenal will have to sign another midfielder to replace Thomas Partey.
Arsenal Will Begin Their US Preseason Tour Soon
The Gunners will begin their US preseason tour soon with a game against the MLS All-Star team. That game takes place on July 19th. I would bet that Arsenal will win that game. Rice and Timber will likely make their unofficial Arsenal debuts in that game, as well.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.