Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal’s pursuit of West Ham United striker Declan Rice has received a boost as the Premier League’s top club has reportedly received “positive” signals from the Emirates Stadium. Kaya Kaynak, a journalist based in London, has spoken to GIVEMESPORT.
Arsenal is now five points clear of second-placed Bournemouth after Saturday’s dramatic come-from-behind victory. But manager Mikel Arteta and sports director Edu are already looking forward to the summer transfer window.
Arsenal, according to The Times, has made Rice their top priority for when the transfer market reopens in the next months. According to the source, the north London club believes they can outbid Chelsea for the central midfielder. They would be willing to pay £80 million to pry him away from West Ham.
Arsenal has been in constant communication with the players’ representatives. They have offered £200,000 per week to try to beat off other rivals for Rice. The esteemed journalist Pete O’Rourke recently reported to GiveMeSport that the England international is keen on joining up with the Premier League frontrunners. As a result, he might be the subject of a heated bidding battle.
Arsenal Transfer News: What’s the matter?
Long-term concerns surround Rice as he enters the last year of his £60,000-per-week deal this summer, although West Ham has the option to extend the contract for another year. Kaynak has heard that Rice is very keen on signing with Arsenal in order to pursue his ambition of playing in the Champions League.
🗣️| @kayakaynak97 on Declan Rice: “From what I hear, he is quite happy with that interest. He's quite excited by the prospect of moving to Arsenal and the prospect of playing in the Champions League, which is something he's always said.” [@GiveMeSport] #afc
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) March 6, 2023
The West Ham captain was surprised by the Gunners’ pursuit, putting Arteta and Edu in an intriguing situation, according to London’s leading Arsenal correspondent. TEAMtalk claims that Manchester City has been following Rice for some time. They are one of the favourites to make a move to sign him.
What’s next for Declan Rice?
The futures of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Kalvin Phillips are unclear. Thus the report claims that City manager Pep Guardiola is seriously contemplating making a bid for the 24-year-old. Manchester United, their bitter rivals, think they can persuade Rice to transfer to Old Trafford despite his want to stay in London.
Although a transfer to Arsenal is likely, it is not a done conclusion since Liverpool is also keeping eye on the West Ham captain. His present employers will allow him to leave if they can get his value.
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