Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are increasingly confident of beating Graham Potter’s Chelsea to the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, a player Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United is also expected to try to land, according to The Guardian.
Mikel Arteta wants West Ham’s Declan Rice at Arsenal
The report has claimed that Arsenal and Chelsea will compete for the signing of Rice in the summer of 2023.
Manchester United are also reportedly expected to make a move for the England international defensive midfielder.
However, Arsenal are confident of beating the competition and securing the services of Rice from London and Premier League rivals West Ham.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly ‘a huge fan’ of the West Ham star, and believes that the 24-year-old ‘would provide elite competition for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey’.
Rice himself is tempted to move to the Gunners and work with Arteta.
The Guardian have added that West Ham want £100 million for Rice, but the Hammers could have to settle for a transfer fee of £80 million.
Good signing for the Gunners?
In our view, Declan Rice would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal in the summer of 2023.
The 24-year-old is one of the best defensive midfielders around and is also able to play in defence.
Rice has progressed steadily over the years, and he is a key figure in the England team as well.
Now, a transfer fee of £80 million or £100 million does seem a lot, but Rice is only 24 and would be a long-term investment for Arsenal.
If the Gunners want to compete at the elite level on a consistent basis, then they simply have to pay big money to get big players.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
