Arsenal have been heavily linked with West Ham United’s Declan Rice in recent months.
In January, 90Min reported that the Gunners are eyeing a swoop for the Hammers star in summer.
More recently, The Evening Standard claimed that Mikel Arteta has made Rice his No.1 transfer target.
Rice has openly expressed his desire to play Champions League football and challenge for trophies.
Now, Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that he expects Arsenal to have a “genuine discussion” with West Ham.
The transfer insider reckons the Gunners will try to knock the price down from the Hammers’ initial tag.
However, Jones also feels Arsenal are prepared to walk away if the price tag stays at £100million.
“I think if the price is too high, Arsenal would walk away from it,” said Jones.
“I do expect them to go and have a genuine discussion over this.
“They’ll ask what his price tag is, then they’ll try to knock it down from whatever the bar is set at.
“But if West Ham say they are holding out for £100million, for example, I don’t see Arsenal spending £100million on Declan Rice.”
Our view
Arsenal are enjoying an outstanding season as they look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.
It’s a fairly close race, but the Gunners will fancy their chances of beating Manchester City to the trophy.
Whatever happens, Arsenal are a club on the up.
The players are superb, there’s strength in depth, the dressing room is united, and it’s all financially sustainable.
A signing like Rice would be a real statement for Arsenal at the end of the season.
At the same time, the Gunners will likely be prudent when it comes to valuation, and not pay excessively.
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