Arsenal Transfer News: Mbappe DEADLINE, Rice 'HERE WE GO' and Lavia WANTS Gunners

Graham Shaw

Updated: 5 Jul 2023 02:25 CDT
6 min read

Kylian Mbappe is coveted by Arsenal — © ProShots

Kylian Mbappe has been given a deadline to sign a new PSG contract or BE SOLD as Arsenal consider a swoop for the brilliant France star.

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Mbappe has just one year left on his contract at Parc des Princes, and has informed the French champions that he will not sign an extension.

PSG have responded by giving the 24-year-old a deadline of July 31 to change his mind, or they will look to sell him during this summer transfer window.

MORE: Premier League summer transfers: ALL the done deals

That news will have most of Europe's top clubs on red alert - including the Gunners, who are in the midst of a hugely productive market. They have already signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea, a deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is now confirmed and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is likely to join them at the Emirates shortly.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Arsenal are ready to provide Mbappe with an offer to join in 2024, while Real Madrid remain consistently linked with the Frenchman. Liverpool are another club who are reportedly keen on offering Mbappe a lucrative package to join them.

HERE WE GO as Fabrizio Romano says Declan Rice deal is DONE

Finally, the transfer to bring Declan Rice across London from West Ham to Arsenal is DONE according to Fabrizio Romano.

Very late on Tuesday, Romano took to Twitter to utter those immortal words 'HERE WE GO' to his 16million-plus followers, sending Gunners fans into ecstasy.

He confirmed that after weeks of tense negotiations, everything is finally agreed for Rice to complete a move which will cost Arsenal £100m plus £5 in add-ons.

Declan Rice to Arsenal, here we go! Deal in place between Arsenal & West Ham and Gunners sign their top target. 🚨🔴⚪️ #AFC

£100m plus £5m add ons. It’s the most expensive signing ever for Arsenal and most expensive English player ever.

Arteta & Edu, crucial to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/w0OApXoTwD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023

EXCLUSIVE: Lavia wants Arsenal move as Gunners close in

Romeo Lavia would prefer to join Arsenal over Liverpool or Chelsea this summer, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

The Gunners are in a three-horse race to sign the Southampton midfielder, along with Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Gunners have fallen behind their two Premier League rivals in the chase, because of the time it is taking to complete the signing of Rice and the sale of Thomas Partey.

Arsenal cannot and will not complete a move for Lavia until Rice and Partey’s deals are resolved.

With Rice’s transfer from West Ham now imminent, If Arsenal can find a way to sell Partey for a price they are satisfied with, then they will go back in for Lavia. The player would prefer to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal place £50 PRICE TAG on star academy striker

Arsenal have placed a €58 million (£50m) price tag on 21-year-old Folarin Balogun amid uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

Balogun excelled on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Reims last campaign and after netting 22 goals in all competitions for Will Still’s side, he has attracted attention from across the continent.

AC Milan, Juventus, Marseille and RB Leipzig have all been attributed with interest in Balogun, but Arsenal are determined to charge a significant amount for any club wanting to sign the youngster.

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners are bracing themselves for offers for Balogun, but are not willing to sanction a sale for less than €58m (£50m). The USMNT star has made it clear to the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium that he does not want another loan spell away from the club, having proven himself in Ligue 1 last term, leaving Arsenal in a difficult situation.

Mikel Arteta’s side signed Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City last summer, Kai Havertz was purchased from Chelsea this window. The Germany international is likely to fill a multitude of roles at Arsenal, including in midfield, but he is another obstacle in Balogun’s path to regular first-team action at the Emirates Stadium.

© ProShots - Folarin Balogun has a £50m price tag.

Arsenal sign Man Utd superstar Russo after WORLD-RECORD bid

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of England Lionesses star Alessia Russo on a free transfer from Manchester United.

The Red Devils turned down a world-record bid from the Gunners in January, but the forward has now joined Arsenal on a free.

The 24-year-old is understood to have wanted to extend her stay with the Red Devils, but a lethargic response from the club side meant that an agreement couldn't be reached.

With her contract expiring this summer, the player announced that she would be leave United after three years at the club, having signed in 2020 after spending time at the University of North Carolina in the USA. Arsenal won the race for her signature.

MORE: Out Of Contract in 2023: Best players available on a free transfer