West Ham United face Fiorentina on Wednesday evening in what could be Declan Rice’s final game for the club.
The Hammers are bidding for European glory as they face the Serie A side in the final of the Europa Conference League, but Rice has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer.
The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have been touted as possible destinations for the England midfielder, and it appears that the former may be in need of midfield reinforcements very soon.
As per Football Insider, the north London outfit have already agreed to sell both Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari as they plan a summer rebuild.
Mikel Arteta’s side came close to winning the Premier League title this season but ultimately finished second behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Having qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six years, though, Arteta is keen to bolster his squad ahead of next term.
Arsenal are set to let several players leave in order to do so, though, an it appears that Xhaka and Mari could be the first departures of the summer.
It is claimed that Xhaka is set to join German side Bayer Leverkusen, whilst Mari will sign for fellow Bundesliga outfit Mainz.
Mari spent this season on loan with Mainz, and the Gunners are now set to receive £4.4 million after the German outfit triggered a clause in the initial deal.
Xhaka, 30, has endured highs and lows during his time at The Emirates.
Back in 2019, the midfielder was booed off the pitch after being substituted against Crystal Palace, and was later stripped of the club’s captaincy.
This term, though, the Switzerland international made 47 appearances across all competitions and played a key role in Arsenal’s title challenge.
Several players are likely to follow Xhaka out the door at The Emirates, with the report claiming that as many as 12 players could depart.
Those in charge of the club are reportedly willing to listen to offers for five players that were involved in the first team this season, as well as a further seven that spent the campaign out on loan.
The likes of Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith-Rowe, Charlie Patino and Rob Holding will also all reportedly be allowed to leave.
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Arsenal is getting higher. Go on, flying Emirate. You will never go low again.🙏⭐🌠