Arsenal 'preparing £140m double transfer swoop' as Kai Havertz deal close to completion

Arsenal are planning to submit offers worth up to £140 million for two players as they edge closer to completing a move for Kai Havertz, it has been reported.

The Gunners are closing in on the £65 million acquisition of Havertz from London rivals Chelsea, with Sky Sports reporting that he is due to undergo a medical this weekend.

If that is completed without issue, it is claimed that an announcement could be made next week to unveil the German as Arsenal's first summer signing.

Manager Mikel Arteta has identified the midfield as a key area for improvement this summer, and current Gunners stars Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have both been linked with moves away.

Ghanaian journalist Ibrahim Sannie Daara has claimed that Partey has been the subject of a mega-money offer from the Saudi Pro League, while Xhaka is of interest to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Now, it has been reported by the Daily Mirror that Arsenal will switch their attentions to two more midfielders alongside their Havertz pursuit.

Arsenal 'target two midfield stars'

It is claimed that the Gunners are preparing to submit a third bid to West Ham to sign Declan Rice, having seen two bids turned down by the Europa Conference League winners.

The report adds that Arteta's side could reach £100 million with their next offer, having already submitted a club-record proposal of £80 million, plus £10 million in add-ons, to sign the Hammers captain.

The other midfielder in question is Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, with Arsenal said to be planning a £40 million bid for the Belgian wonderkid.

A deal for Lavia may be more simple to complete than that of Rice, with Southampton having suffered relegation to the Championship. Manchester City, who also want to sign Rice, have a buy-back clause to re-sign Lavia as well, but that only becomes active in 2024.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that Arsenal were 'advancing' in talks to sign Lavia, but that a formal bid had yet to be made.