Arsenal are ready to move for star West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to the Athletic.
The Gunners plan to make the move in the summer to bolster the squad depth. The table-topping team are growing in confidence that the deal can be done, with a key factor for Rice being playing in the champions league.
Arsenal Plan Declan Rice Transfer
Arsenal are planning a summer move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and are growing in confidence that a deal can be done.#AFC | #WHUFC
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— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 16, 2023
Arsenal Transfer Plan
Arsenal are currently sitting top of the table, but the Gunners are already planning moves to improve the team. Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster the squad in a few key areas, including the base of midfield. With Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka fully fit, however, the Gunners will wait until the summer to improve in that area.
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Rice would be a major boost to the squad, improving the depth and the level of quality in the base of the midfield three and adding another leader to the young squad. Rice has the flexibility to play as a lone deep-lying midfielder or play in the base alongside another, making him an ideal fit for Arteta and Arsenal.
Arsenal make Rice 'top target’ for summer 🏴🔴
Arsenal are “growing in confidence” that they will win the race for Declan Rice, after losing out to Mykhailo Mudryk who signed for Chelsea. A reported fee of around £80m will be offered.#declanrice #COYG pic.twitter.com/vTxJW2Q25f
— SPORF (@Sporf) January 17, 2023
Other Interest in Declan Rice
While Arsenal feel like a likely destination for the aspiring midfielder, there are other clubs who are showing interest. The Gunners will need to hold off Chelsea for the signature of the England international. Chelsea have shown interest in Rice for a couple of summers in a row, according to Jacob Steinberg, saying “a factor in this is that Chelsea went three summers in a row without signing Rice”.
Read More: Major Premier League Club Join Race for West Ham Midfielder Declan Rice
Steinberg also said the title contenders might need to fend off Manchester United, adding “Manchester United also very much in the running for Rice. They’ve also laid some of the groundwork for a summer move”. United could move to seal another midfielder with Casemiro ageing.
