Arsenal have enjoyed an outstanding season and, whatever happens, they will have a lot of pulling power this summer.
The best players in the world will now look at the Gunners as a club where they could go on to meet their ambitions.
One player set for a busy summer on the rumour mill is absolutely world-class and seems to be eager to join Arsenal.
We’re talking about Declan Rice, who has been absolutely sensational for West Ham and England over the years.
Arsenal have been linked with him for months, and speculation is positive as far as the Gunners are concerned.
The Independent has now issued an update on the links between the Gunners and the Hammers star.
The newspaper says there have already been back-channel overtures and personal terms are seen as easy to sort.
Indeed, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly already planning for the 2023-24 campaign with Rice in mind.
Meanwhile, the England international seems to be eager to link up with the Gunners.
The Independent says Rice has raved about Arsenal while watching them with the rest of the West Ham squad.
This is great news, as it looks as though the Gunners and the midfielder are very much on the same page.
Obviously the tricky part will be negotiating with West Ham, who reportedly want £100million-plus for Rice.
Nonetheless, there will be plenty of time to do that in the summer.
‘Absolutely everything to be world-class’
And if Arsenal sign him, they’d be getting one of the best midfielders in the world.
Indeed, Aaron Cresswell said last year that he felt Rice was the top midfielder on the planet.
“In the past, I said Dimitri Payet is the best I’ve ever played with but given his progression it’s probably Dec now,” Cresswell told The Times.
“I’m not saying it because he’s at West Ham: I believe he’s the best in his position in the world.
“Some might disagree, but from what I see, day to day and in games, over the last two years he’s kicked on another level.
“You look at the way he is for England, he’s so athletic, he’s got absolutely everything to be world class – and I believe he already is.”
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