Arsenal are working on putting together their opening bid to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer transfer window, claims Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners can reportedly expect competition from clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea for the highly-rated England international.
Arsenal Preparing First Offer for Declan Rice Signing
Bayer Leverkusen expect Granit Xhaka deal to be sealed at the beginning of June. Xabi Alonso is waiting for him, 4 year deal in place. 🔴 #transfers
Meanwhile, Arsenal are working on the opening bid for Declan Rice as priority target. Negotiations will start in June. ⚪️🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/pd06zb7KCd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2023
When Will Arsenal Start Negotiations for Rice Transfer?
The Gunners might have seen their Premier League title charge go into ruins over the last month or so, but that will not stop Mikel Arteta from looking to significantly strengthen his squad to compete even stronger next season.
Read More: Arsenal to Announce New Contract for Bukayo Saka Soon
Romano adds that Arsenal still have Rice pinned as their “priority target” for the summer window and are working on their opening bid for him. It’s also reported that the Gunners will start negotiations with West Ham over the signing in June, as they want the Premier League season to end before officially moving into talks over a deal.
Granit Xhaka is expected to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen towards the start of June too per a previous report from the Italian journalist. The German giants are ready to offer him a four-year contract. If this ends up happening, then the Swiss midfielder will be playing his final game for his club against Wolves at the weekend.
How Can Rice Fit In at Arsenal?
The 24-year-old midfielder – who is rumoured to earn wages of £60,000-a-week at West Ham – has been having a really impressive season for the Hammers and played a major role in helping them make the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they’ll meet Italian club Fiorentina in an attempt to win a coveted European trophy.
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He’s made 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing four assists. Fortunately for the Gunners, he can not only play as a defensive midfielder – but is a total package in the middle – as he can move the ball forward, play clever progressive passes and also help win the ball in key positions. Rice was hailed as a ‘world class player’ by Sky Sports pundit Danny Cowley and should be on the move this summer.
