The Gunners intend to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market following a season in which Arsenal mounted a surprising Premier League title challenge.
While Arteta’s side ultimately finished second behind Manchester City, Arsenal have seen enough to believe genuine success could be just around the corner should they strengthen the squad this summer.
Arsenal have been one of the more active clubs in the early stages of the transfer window and believe they are close to securing big-money deals for Rice and Havertz, according to Sky Germany.
Rice has attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich as well as Arsenal, but the Gunners have been confident for some time that he will be heading to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have already seen their opening offer for the England star rejected but intend to return with an improved bid, with West Ham hoping for around £100m.
Rice has been the Hammers’ most important player for several seasons and starred in their Europa Conference League win last term.
Despite potentially spending as much as £100m on Rice, Arsenal also expect to sign Germany international Havertz from London rivals Chelsea.
Havertz has blown hot and cold at Stamford Bridge – scoring in Chelsea’s Champions League final victory but struggling overall – and Arteta believes he can get more out of the 24-year-old.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Havertz – who Chelsea signed for £72m in 2020 – but the German is said to favour a move to Arsenal.
MORE : Mauricio Pochettino ready to sell Chelsea star as Newcastle prepare £30m bid
MORE : Jason Cundy reveals ‘concern’ over Arsenal transfer target Kai Havertz
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