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Kieran Horn

Arsenal transfer news: Declan Rice announcement hint dropped as Edu sent subtle £17m plea

Your Arsenal transfer round-up on Thursday, July 6

Rice announcement hint

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has teased the signing of West Ham United captain Declan Rice after reports emerged that the two clubs had finally reached full agreement for a transfer.

After a whole week of negotiations regarding the payment structure for the £105million proposal that West Ham verbally agreed to, Rice was given the all clear to undergo an Arsenal medical imminently.

The Hammers remained firm on the stance they wanted the bulk of the up front fee paid by the start of 2025, whereas Arsenal were more inclined to spread the cost over a number of years. It has since been revealed that the £100m in guaranteed funds will head the way of West Ham over three instalments paid within the next 24 months.

Now, Gunners legend Wright has taken to social media, filming himself driving by the Emirates Stadium whilst listening to the song titled 'Declan Rice' by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, possibly hinting he may be involved in Rice's official announcement as an Arsenal player.

READ NEXT: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice deal finally done, medical set, Tchouameni offer

Edu sent subtle £17m transfer plea

Thomas Partey sealing a move away from Arsenal could have numerous knock-on affects in the summer transfer window for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are not actively looking to sell but an exit for the 30-year-old, alongside Granit Xhaka who will sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5m deal, is a real possibility.

Partey joining his midfield partner in departing north London will likely result in Arsenal pursuing a move for Romeo Lavia. Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the Southampton star with his current club demanding £50million to sanction an exit.

Although, the Gunners could have an alternative option who is available on the market and has previously hinted he would be open to a move to Emirates Stadium. Yunus Musah is a former academy starlet of the Gunners and he currently plays in Spain with Valencia, but that could change ahead of the 2023/24 season.

"You never know. I had a great time developing at Arsenal," Musah CBS Sports, as reported by the Daily Mirror when asked about a return to Arsenal. "I have friends there, the coaches are great, being an Arsenal player in general is great."

To add more intrigue to that possibility, Musah has now been spotted working ahead of the 2023/24 season wearing an Arsenal kit on the Elite Player Performance Instagram page. If any further additions are made by the Gunners they are expected to come in midfield and a return for Musah could certainly be on the cards if finances are a problem.

Fresh Partey transfer stance

Thomas Partey could join Granit Xhaka as an Arsenal midfielder to seal a move away from Emirates Stadium this summer.

Numerous Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in the 30-year-old, while Juventus have also chucked themselves into the hat of potential destinations.

The Gunners are yet to make a firm decision on whether Partey will be on their books for the 2023/24 campaign, but they have set a clear price tag stance if him leaving is the chosen option.

According to The Sun, serious offers that arrive for Partey will be considered and they must be in excess of £30m. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also previously revealed that Arsenal are unlikely to pursue another midfield acquisition, following the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, if Partey remains at the club.

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