Craig Burley says Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will ‘close the gap to Manchester City even more’ if they secure the double transfer deal of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
The former Scotland international added that there is even talk that Arsenal have the money to sign Moises Caicedo on top of the above duo, but it would be a ‘big ask’ for that to happen, as he told ESPN.
The main man they want through their doors is Declan Rice, but a certain Manchester City are ensuring that doesn’t happen.
With the Kai Havertz deal, it’s just a matter of time before it will be announced, it was suggested that it could be confirmed by this week.
Either way, Mikel Arteta is adding depth to his squad, as he tries to overtake a rampant Treble-winning machine in Manchester City.
Some would argue that it’s a near-on impossible task, but for Burley, the arrivals of Rice and Havertz might just get them closer than they think.
“James Olley (ESPN reporter) was saying the other day that there is money in the budget for Rice and Caicedo,” said Burley. “Whether that happens is a big ask.
“If they get Rice, and the Havertz deal works out, then it certainly might close that gap even more to Man City.”
Rice’s deal sets the tone
Given that Man City are keen on Rice, if Arsenal can beat the English champions to his signature, then it would be a statement of intent.
Added to that, it sets the tone for the rest of the summer and boosts the rest of their squad.
What other areas need boosting? The defence needs looking at, there is talk of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber coming in, whilst other transfers might dictate who leaves
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