Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta is already eyeing a fourth marquee summer signing as Edu finalises moves for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber
Arsenal could see their summer transfer window spending eclipse £200million if moves for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are sealed. The Gunners have already forked out £65million to acquire the services of Kai Havertz from Chelsea with Rice and Timber looking likely to join him as summer additions at Emirates Stadium.
The consistent factor in all three deals is that Arsenal have had to fight off interest from another team. For Havertz, it was Real Madrid and Bayern Munich who had discussed the possibility of a move with the latter also in the race for Timber. Arguably the most difficult challenge though, came with Rice as the Gunners took on Manchester City in the transfer battle with Pep Guardiola's side even lodging an official bid.
Nonetheless Arsenal look to have secured all three and now a new name has emerged on Arteta's summer wish list and once again they will face a transfer battle to get the signing over the line. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have joined north London rivals Tottenham in the transfer race for Man City star Aymeric Laporte.
Micky van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba are two names being linked to Spurs, with Laporte also as an option. Signed from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for £57million, the 29-year-old has recently lost his place in the Man City starting XI to Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake with Guardiola significantly changing his defensive system which has resulted in the Spaniard falling down the pecking order.
With his contract expiring in 2025, Spurs could deem Laporte as too expensive which could allow Arsenal to strike and seal the perfect window. The Gunners already have good depth in attack, but midfield and defence is where more is needed and Timber arriving will certainly assist that, but another left-footed experienced option being acquired could give Arsenal a dream window as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.