Arsenal could use forgotten striker in swap deal to sign Declan Rice

Arsenal have made it no secret they want to sign Declan Rice this summer. In fact, today’s transfer news suggested they could actually sign both Rice and Moises Caicedo.

But Arsenal fans have been finely tuned to only believe what they can see, not what they hear from news outlets. This leaves many fans begging the question – how advanced is Arsenal’s ACTUAL interest in Declan Rice? Do they really want to go all out to sign him, or is this just what sensationalist newspapers want the fans to believe?

For today’s Arsenal transfer news, click here.

Arsenal could use Folarin Balogun in swap deal to sign Declan Rice

Well, according to GiveMeSport, the Gunners have actually crafted a plan to sign Declan Rice this summer. The report says Arsenal are planning to use Folarin Balogun as a makeweight, plus some cash, to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United.

Balogun is a forgotten about player because he’s out on loan. Granted, he’s scoring goals for fun in Ligue 1, but he’s not part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plan. Instead, he’s seen as a cash cow and a valuable asset which the Gunners could use to garner some pivotal cash.

In my opinion, using Balogun to lower the asking price for Rice is a very smart move, and shows how far Arsenal have come in recent seasons. Despite being a goal machine, Arteta clearly prefers Eddie Nketiah. Therefore, if Balogun is going to be sold this summer anyway, then why not use him to bring in a player that the club actually needs AND wants?

The downfall this season has been their depth in midfield. We’ve seen a few times how one injury or suspension in the midfield has hindered them. Therefore, they need to bring in another world-class midfielder who has the ability to change a game and can offer a new dynamic to Mikel Arteta when he needs it.

Do you think Arsenal will sign Declan Rice?