Arsenal are moving ‘a step closer’ to signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in a club-record deal, The Telegraph claim.
The Gunners have identified the England international as their main midfield target, and they are now preparing a formal bid following the Hammers’ victory in the Europa Conference League final.
The Telegraph claim that the club will make a structured offer worth £92 million, and they are in pole position to sign him ahead of the likes of Manchester United as well as Bayern Munich.
Hammers owner David Sullivan recently confirmed that Rice will leave the club this summer, and the club are planning to make three signings from the money recouped from his departure.
Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez are top of their wishlist.
RICE’S DEAL COULD BE FINALISED SOON
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is aiming to complete most of the club’s transfer business before pre-season.
With Granit Xhaka likely on his way to Bayer Leverkusen, a replacement is required. It appears Rice could be his successor. The 24-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade, but Arteta could play him from the number eight role.
The West Ham captain has the potential to quickly adapt, considering his brilliant distribution and ball retention ability. He has a pass accuracy of 90 per cent throughout his career and would be an upgrade in that department
Rice is also more composed with his ground challenges, but could improve creativity wise. Last season, he managed nine goal contributions. Arsenal will be anticipating more with better technical players around him.
The Gunners will have to pay a premium price to secure his services, but it could be worth it. Rice is one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. He is also very versatile and can comfortably play in central defence too.
