The Telegraph are reporting that Arsenal are the favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. This comes after The Times stated that Rice is the Gunners’ top target for the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have been searching for a new midfielder for some time, with links to Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi during the January transfer window. However, it seems that they have now turned their attention to the West Ham midfielder.
Rice has been a standout performer for the Hammers over the past few seasons, and has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has been in incredible form in recent weeks, putting in a starring performance against Newcastle two weeks ago that reminded everyone of just how good he can be.
Ian Wright has even described him as ‘world class’ recently.
West Ham are, of course, keen to keep hold of their star midfielder, and David Moyes has made it clear that he will cost a fortune, stating that a British-record fee may be needed t pry him away from the London Stadium.
However, if Arsenal are serious about signing the England international, they will come up with a significant offer in order to tempt West Ham into selling. The Gunners have flexed their financial muscle in recent weeks, bidding huge sums for Caicedo and Mykhaylo Mudryk, so the money may well be there for Rice.
If Arsenal are able to secure Rice’s signature, it would be a major coup for the north London club as he’s long been expected to sign for another of England’s top clubs.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to land Rice in the summer, but the fact that they are considered the favourites for his signature suggests that a move is possible.
If the deal does go through, it could be a game-changer for Mikel Arteta’s side as they build a new-look midfield for the future.
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