Arsenal will make a summer move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, not now.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The Gunners are linked to bringing Rice in during the January transfer window.
According to The Guardian, working under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal would definitely appeal to the West Ham player.
But Sheth has told Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show that a winter move looks ‘nigh-on impsosible’ at this stage, but that he feels the North Londoners will make a summer attempt.
He said: “We know there’s interest in Declan Rice. It would be nigh-on impossible for him to move now but come the summer, Rice will have two years left on his West Ham. I feel that’s when Arsenal will make a move for him.”
Ideally, Arsenal might need him – or another midfielder – now, rather than six months down the line.
That’s because with Mohamed Elneny sidelined and Albert Sambi Lokonga not up to par, there’s a lot of pressure on Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka to stay fit.
And honestly, both of them have injury histories, meaning that one – if not both – could find themselves sidelined before the year is out.
Rice, valued at £75 million [GMS], is a full England international and his experience could, in theory, help the Gunners.
But not until next season, it would seem.
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