Good morning everyone.

Another day, another exclusive late-night pickup from Big Dave. Based on everything we’ve heard so far, this isn’t a surprise, but welcome nonetheless.

🚨Exclusive report: Arsenal have reached a full agreement with West Ham United to sign Declan Rice. #WHUFC now accepted #AFC The documented payment structure is £100m + £5m fees. England midfielder, 24, cleared for medical and finalizes personal terms @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WxG2JEaxrt

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 4, 2023

According to the “Guardian”, Arsenal will pay the guaranteed part of this fee – 100 million pounds! – Three installments over 24 months. That’s a pretty tight schedule for a sum of this size. As you can imagine, we would have preferred to pay more over a longer period of time, but West Ham persevered and got the best deal for themselves. that’s all.

I know Declan Rice is still on vacation, but not too far away – probably enjoying the Vengaboys. It won’t take long to go back to London for the medical, photoshoot, formalities, etc., but based on that, I don’t expect an announcement today. Maybe by the end of this week, or even early next week. let’s see. The important thing is that it has been done, and with Jurien Timber set to join from Ajax in the coming days, the Gunners have made an impressive start to this transfer window. There’s more to be said about Big Dec, but let’s wait until it’s done, not just finished or finished. if you know what I mean.

Speaking of big-money signings, Arsenal Women announced the arrival of England international Alessia Russo yesterday. She arrived on a free transfer at the end of her contract at United, and that was after we paid United a record fee in January.

If you want to read more about her, the deal and more, Tim has an article on Arseblog News and we also have a podcast dedicated to her and the rest of the team that Jonas Adwar joined this summer players.

Back to the men’s team, there were more pictures of players back in training with the first team yesterday, and while you can’t read too much into this sort of thing, it was good to see William Saliba involved after his back injury. The situation has obviously improved, which is very good news, and I hope he can pick up the pen and sign a new contract as soon as possible.

Fuan Wuhong is also there, which is another boost. The ambiguity around his injury is a bit of a concern, and I do think he’s going to be a big player for us next season. He’s had some fitness issues since joining from Bologna two years ago, but he’s such an intelligent and versatile player that I wouldn’t let him go for that. Let’s hope he stays out of harm’s way as he gives us depth in every position in the backline.

Albert Sambi Lokonga, who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, is one player who could be on the move. He has Barely Played since Roy Hodgson replaced Patrick Vieira and I strongly suspect his future lies elsewhere. It does sound like he is open to leaving, and when asked about his future, he replied:

I don’t know, I’ll try to go to a place where I’ll play. That’s the most important thing, to play some games and play game after game.

I still think midfield is the area to watch during this window. There’s no doubt Rice’s arrival is significant, but with Granit Xhaka close to signing for Leverkusen and Thomas Partey’s future in real uncertainty, there could well be another signing space. I know Loconga has barely played for us this season, but if three midfielders leave, it feels like another player is needed.

I expect Lokonga to leave anyway, but further earnings could depend on whether Italian and Saudi Arabian interest in Partey becomes more “concrete”, which feels like a summer transfer buzzword. Let’s see what happens there.

Alright, that’s your task this morning. Have a great time and we’ll bring you any breaking news here at Arseblog News.