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Arsenal plotting summer swoop for Declan Rice

By on January 17, 2023

Declan-Rice

Arsenal have reportedly identified West Ham ace Declan Rice as their priority target to strengthen the midfield next summer, according to various reports.

Mikel Arteta has been looking to strengthen the engine room since last summer. However, despite being linked with several options, they are yet to reinforce their midfield options.

According to the report by Daily Mail, Rice has emerged as a priority target for the north London club and the Premier League leaders are ready to break their transfer record to lure the England international to the Emirates Stadium.

The report further claims that West Ham want a fee of around £100m to sell their star next summer but they could be forced to lower their demands as Rice will enter the final 12 months of his contract in June.

Journalist Ben Jacobs suggests that the Hammers may have to accept just £70m for their star man this summer. And Arsenal are reportedly well placed ahead of Chelsea to win the race for the 24-year-old’s signature.

Rice to Arsenal

Writing on Caughtoffside, Fabrizio Romano has backed the Daily Mail report and stated that Arsenal have already made the first step toward signing Rice and held internal talks over a possible move at the end of this term.

Rice has rejected an opportunity to sign an extension with the Hammers and has previously expressed his desire to play in the Champions League.

With Chelsea currently 10th in the table, the west London club’s place in Europe’s elite club competition is under a real threat next season.

So, Arsenal would become a more tempting destination if the Blues fail to finish in the top four this term and that could give the Gunners a huge edge in the race to sign Rice.

It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal will be able to sign Rice following the conclusion of this campaign. The Gunners need depth in their midfield and the West Ham man would be a superb addition to Mikel Arteta’s team.

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