According to the latest from GiveMeSport, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United. It’s thought the England international is the main option for Mikel Arteta, who is eager to sign him. Journalist Ben Jacobs thinks that a deal could be reached as the club are pushing ‘aggressively’ to get the deal over the line.
The fee is likely to be around the £70m-£80m mark. It’s a lot of money to cough up, but as Arteta wins the backing of the board, they’re likely to fund his project by signing Declan Rice. Hopefully, the club will have won the Premier League title by then, which will provide a further financial boost.
Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea in the January transfer window – on deadline day. Therefore, it’s not likely they’ll push for more midfielders than the one in summer. With Declan Rice at the top of the shortlist at Emirates Stadium, you can understand why the Gunners are willing to splash the cash on him.
Injuries and suspensions in the midfield have cost Arsenal at times this season. For example, missing Thomas Partey through injury meant they couldn’t beat Manchester City. Currently, Mohamed Elneny is undergoing surgery and is expected to be out of action until the middle of next season.
With Champions League qualification almost set in stone for next season, this alone would provide a major pull factor for players like Declan Rice. Being an asset to West Ham, he’s been linked with a move away from the club for the last few transfer windows – A simple tube trip away could see him sign for Arsenal and be a key part of the young squad they boast.
Do you think Arsenal will get this deal over the line to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United?