Arsenal news: Edu 'progressing' in £40m Romeo Lavia talks as 13 players set to leave

All the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip including updates on Romeo Lavia talks, the Gunners' retained list ahead of next season and Declan Rice

Your morning Arsenal digest on Saturday, June 17.

Arsenal announce release list as 13 players bid farewell with Reiss Nelson offer confirmed

Arsenal have announced their list of released players ahead of the new season with as many as 13 departures confirmed across the men's and women's first-team squad as well as the U23s and U18s.

As things stand, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the only Arsenal men's first-team player that will certainly depart on June 30 as via the club's official website it has been communicated that Reiss Nelson has been offered a new contract and that discussions are ongoing.

Declan Rice has already made Arsenal transfer feelings clear after Mikel Arteta moment emerges

Declan Rice has already made his feelings clear as Arsenal look to complete a £100million transfer for the West Ham captain. Mikel Arteta has identified Rice as his priority target this summer as the Spaniard aims to bolster his midfield.

Arsenal have confidence that a deal can be reached with Rice thought to be committed to completing a switch to the Emirates Stadium and playing for Arteta last term. The England international is clearly a fan of the Spaniard after a telling moment between the Gunners' boss and Hammers' captain following Arsenal's 3-1 win against West Ham last season.

Arsenal 'progressing' in talks over Romeo Lavia transfer swoop

Arsenal may be prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice but they are now progressing in talks to sign Southampton talent Romeo Lavia. The Belgian midfielder has been tipped to leave St.Mary's Stadium following the Saints' relegation last term.

Lavia joined Southampton from Manchester City last summer and has now been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. City included a buy-back clause in the 19-year-old's contract which becomes active next summer meaning rival clubs are looking to take advantage of that ahead of next season.

The Gunners have cooled their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo as they look to finalise a deal for Rice this summer. The Ecuadorian midfielder is now expected to complete a move to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino looks to sign a perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez.

Arsenal had their first bid for Rice rejected with West Ham holding out for a fee much closer to their £100million asking price. Reports this week have stated the Gunners are preparing an offer worth around £100million after their initial £90million bid was turned down.

Arsenal are seeking to make Rice and Lavia their new midfield for next season, according to Miguel Delaney. The Gunners are set to submit another bid for the West Ham captain in the coming days and progress is being made for the Southampton youngster.

Mikel Arteta noted how his side were occasionally outmatched physically in last season’s run-in and has sought to bolster the power of his side. Arsenal are not that advanced with Lavia, but are seen as his most likely next club.

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