chjoak said:

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If they are gonna come with an offer of 40m, I think you ask for 50-60m and ultimately take whatever the "final" offer ends up.

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We've probably already told them we'll take 35

about 30 min ago I saw a Saudi source claiming that their "negotiating team" is in London talking with both Arsenal & Partey to see if they can work something out asap.

Told Arsenal could receive official proposals for Thomas Partey in coming days - expected to come from one of four Saudi clubs now owed by PIF. Al-Shabab also like Partey but they remain dependent on financial support from the Ministry of Sports to sign big-name players. #AFC

— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) June 22, 2023

Looks like West Ham got what they want and Man City are now involved. If he ends up there Arsenal deserve every criticism they will get.

Ag Since 83 said:

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Looks like West Ham got what they want and Man City are now involved. If he ends up there Arsenal deserve every criticism they will get.

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City offer reported at 75 + 15 in add-ons, isn't that what we already offered?

Supposedly they are offering add-ons that are perceived as more achievable and 2 installments on the 75 vs 3.

Us chasing City feels a lot like A&M chasing Bama. Who can dethrone the top dog when they can handpicked whomever they want AND elite players choose them because it seems like guaranteed trophies? Frustrating, especially when City have apparently already bent the rules to get to where they are, with no consequences.

One or more of the Saudi teams are said to be preparing a 40m offer. Now Juventus shows up wanting to pay 18-20m...

Understand Thomas Partey considers Juventus as priority, he hopes to stay in Europe — talks will follow as there’s still no official proposal. 🚨⚫️⚪️ #Juventus

Arsenal are prepared to let Thomas go but important proposal will be needed after Saudi approaches. pic.twitter.com/SCuC4aVlB4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023

I'd be open to a swap deal but not sure who I would want. No way I take less than what Saudi is offering unless I 100% know that I have Rice or Caicedo wrapped up. And I may not sell him at all until I know I have Rice or Caicedo in the bag.

Hell, maybe we should be talking to Tonali. Supposedly he is very close to a deal with Newcastle for a 70m fee. We were linked with him before signing Partey.

Ag Since 83 said:

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Probably more achievable add ons from West Hams perspective. Or more money up front. A bonus for winning the league is basically guaranteed

Arsenal had a free run at this deal for a month, so to lose it to the team you are trying to catch, not over the amount of money but the structure, would be terrible

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But would be very, very on brand. Disappointing.

Don't worry, boys, we have a Rice backup plan. LOL.

🚨 #Arsenal a fait une offre d’environ 150 Millions au #PSG pour Kylian #Mbappé !!! pic.twitter.com/DxjlPBgQRh

— 𝙿 𝚂 𝙶 - I N F I N I T E © (@psginfinite) June 22, 2023

We can just switch to a 3-1-4-2 lineup with OZ at DM. May give up a few more goals but we (in theory) would outscore everyone.

Discussion on an Arsenal board that makes a stupid amount of sense... rumor of City's interest in Rice was wrapped around needing a replacement for Gundo. They already got their replacement in Kovacic. What if Pep doesn't want Rice at all and City is simply driving up the price so we don't have the cash to fill all of our holes? Rice as a Gundo replacement doesn't make any since at all, it doesn't look like Rodri is moving (Rice's natural position) and Pep has a backup to Rodri in Phillips.

chjoak said:

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Discussion on an Arsenal board that makes a stupid amount of sense... rumor of City's interest in Rice was wrapped around needing a replacement for Gundo. They already got their replacement in Kovacic. What if Pep doesn't want Rice at all and City is simply driving up the price so we don't have the cash to fill all of our holes? Rice as a Gundo replacement doesn't make any since at all, it doesn't look like Rodri is moving (Rice's natural position) and Pep has a backup to Rodri in Phillips.

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City has been running a 3-2-4-1 so having Rodri and Rice would actually be ideal.

Actually they have been running a 4-3-3 just like us. Except they have been running 4 CBs at the back and and one of the FBs (Ake or Stone) inverts into the MF. Just like OZ. Now Pep may want to shift to a 3-2-4-1 permanently but that is not what they are currently doing.

Reports are all over the place on this, even from the more reputable folks.

That Arsenal will make another bid has been consistent, so that's good.

The pic I posted above is supposedly from West Ham's version of Orny.

This Manchester publication claims that City interest in Rice isn't as high as some are saying and that City may be more inclined to spend in defense rather than MF.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been offered $200 million in wages by a club in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 .

Partey will earn an annual, tax-free salary of $100 million if he signs the two-year deal.

The Saudi clubs keen on Partey are Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Khaleej. pic.twitter.com/K2r5v3Crqn

— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) June 23, 2023

That's insanity

Saudi's trying to build their league up and they have stupid money to throw around. If it keeps some of their money out of the EPL (ie Saudi owned teams) then I have no issue with them overpaying for old talent.

So how about 100M transfer fee?

That's my hunch as well. I think they view us as their biggest threat and so they throw a monkey wrench in anything we try to do. Still think we get Rice.

WH version of Orny again...

🚨 Arsenal are ready to make a third bid for Declan Rice & could be forced to go up to £100m. Arsenal will also bid £40m for Romeo Lavia, seen as a replacement for Thomas Partey, likely ending their interest in Moises Caicedo. [@johncrossmirror] #afc https://t.co/omYgkf9bHo

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 23, 2023

Here comes that 3rd bid lads!

If they reject a 3rd I would atleast start to re-engage with Caicedo. Wouldn't necessarily back off of Rice but would start to looking at other options before they are gone.

Based on all the tweets of the last couple days I'm picturing Edu and Arteta around Edu's BBQ, ready to make the third bid, having Stan's approval to make the third bid, and just staring at their watches trying to figure out the right time for the third bid

This entire process really confuses me. I don't get why you can't hash out a deal in a 30 min phone call and then just submit 1 official bid.

These guys would have Declan by now

Billy Beane : That lineup card is definitely yours. I'm just saying you can't start Eddie in August

Arteta : Well, I am starting him in August.

Billy Beane : I don't think so. He plays for Schalke now.