Negotiations have been described as positive for both deals despite a gap in valuation; this week West Ham rejected Arsenal's initial offer for Declan Rice as the Gunners made first contacts with Chelsea for Havertz; Arsenal keeping an eye on Brighton's Moises Caicedo contrary to reports
Saturday 17 June 2023 10:21, UK
Arsenal remain in talks with West Ham and Chelsea over the signings of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
Although there is a gap in valuation with regard to both deals, negotiations have been described as positive.
West Ham rejected Arsenal's opening offer for Rice thought to be worth £80m plus add-ons earlier this week as the Gunners approached Chelsea about signing Havertz.
There is a growing feeling that both players want to move to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta could face competition for Rice with Manchester City monitoring the England midfielder's situation. Manchester United are also interested but it is thought they will only make a bid if they have new owners.
West Ham want £120m for their captain though would accept a lower offer that includes players going to them.
Arsenal's pursuit of Havertz, 24, could be further complicated by interest from Bayern Munich.
Sky in Germany are reporting that the German champions have changed their mind and Havertz is now on their transfer shortlist this summer.
Reports had suggested Arsenal were targeting Southampton's Romeo Lavia, leaving Chelsea a clear path to go after Moises Caicedo, however Sky Sports News has been told the Gunners are keeping an eye on the Brighton midfielder.
Arsenal, though, are prioritising the transfers of Rice and Havertz.
Arsenal will start their 2023/24 Premier League season at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday August 12.
The Gunners then face two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Fulham before hosting Manchester United in their first 'Big Six' match of the season in early September.
The first north London derby of the season takes place at the Emirates Stadium on September 23, with the return fixture on April 27 - the fourth last game of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta's side's first game with last season's title rivals and treble winners Manchester City comes within the first eight games of the campaign on October 7 at home, with the reverse fixture at the Etihad on March 30.
Just before Arsenal go to the Etihad, they have back-to-back London derbies against Brentford and Chelsea, with a tricky line-up of Brighton and Aston Villa to come in the fortnight after playing Guardiola's City.
The Gunners end the season with a home game against Everton on May 19, a week after visiting Manchester United for their final away game.
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
