Morning all.
A very quick Saturday round-up because very little of substance has happened. I believe Kai Havertz has had his medical, and assuming there’s nothing out of the ordinary, like a third knee or a busted bread-basket, that’s a deal that could be completed early next week.
It doesn’t appear as if there’s been anything new regarding Declan Rice. We’d know, because West Ham would immediately leak it to the press. In the parlance of the transfer ITKs, we are most likely ‘preparing a third bid’. Perhaps this time with nice gift basket and a floral arrangement too. As people better placed than I have already reported, it’s really about structure, and how we can both get to the figure they want, with a payment plan that is acceptable too.
Elsewhere, there are conflicting reports about Thomas Partey and Saudi Arabia. I saw one report which said he’d been offered £200m over two years, which sounds unrealistic, even taking into account some of the figures we’ve seen doing the rounds. Then there’s this from James Benge which seems closer to reality:
Al Nassr willing to bid €30m for Thomas Partey, offering a salary package worth €10m net. Al Khaleej want a loan to buy.
More details in our Arsenal transfer hub, which will collate original reporting and other bits and pieces throughout the summer. https://t.co/sqJ2mng8Fv
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) June 23, 2023
There’s also some interest from Italy, with Juventus mentioned in dispatches. Either way, as I wrote yesterday, so much of what we might do this summer depends on getting the Declan Rice deal done, and until that happens or doesn’t happen, I don’t think there’s going to be much clarity regarding outgoings.
I’ve seen a spurious link suggesting Rob Holding is of interest to Celtic, but quite how much truth there is in that, I don’t know. His departure wouldn’t surprise me, I have to say. Especially if we bring in Jurrien Timber from Ajax, but for now there’s been nothing concrete. My suspicion is he’d be happier to stay in the Premier League, and I think there are clubs out there that would suit him quite well.
Academy midfielder Catalin Cirjan will spend next season on loan with Rapid Bucharest, and the Romanian club have a purchase option at the end of it.
Beyond that folks, there’s not much stirring. If anything does, we’ll cover it on Arseblog News.
For now, have a good Saturday. I’m going to cut through the cord on my hedge clippers again, because that’s just what I do!
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