‘Huge day for Arsenal’ – Romano promises three MASSIVE developments

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 7 Jul 2023 08:16 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are set for a busy end to the week, with Fabrizio Romano promising that the Emirates club will take three “crucial” steps for the future of the team imminently.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already completed the blockbuster signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, but Arsenal will edge decisively closer to deals to bring Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber to the club from West Ham and Ajax respectively.

Meanwhile, the Gunners will also complete a contract extension for William Saliba.

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Romano reports that both Rice and Timber will undergo medicals, which represent the last hurdle to the international pair arriving.

Rice will be a club-record signing for €122 million (£105m), while Timber is expected to join for €40m (£35m). These signings are expected to represent significant upgrades to Arteta’s side in midfield and defence, making them more robust as they seek to improve on the second-placed finish they achieved in the Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, speculation over Saliba’s future will end, with the official announcement of his new contract expected on Friday.

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The France defender has signed a deal that extends to 2027, with the option of an additional year. All that is required is for the club to announce the deal – a formality that should take place on Friday.

Saliba was an outstanding figure for Arsenal in 2022/23, emerging as their key defender.

Arteta’s half-billion net spend

Although Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta has been impressive, the transfers to secure Rice and Timber will tip the club’s transfer spending under the Spanish manager to more than €650m since 2019.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have recouped less than €100m in transfer fees in that time, giving them an enormous net spend.

This has been rewarded by a significantly improved squad and a return to the Champions League.