Arsenal are ready to smash their transfer record as they aim to sign Declan Rice on priority in the summer window.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are ready to break their transfer record with a huge bid for Declan Rice in the summer. The £100 million-rated star remains their topmost priority for the summer. But it will take a huge offer to convince West Ham to sell.
Arsenal regained their eight-point advantage over Manchester City with a smashing win over Leeds United at the Emirates. In the title race, Mikel Arteta’s men have responded well repeatedly, showing they have more in their locker to compete with the best.
Part of their success has been the excellent form of the players, with Arteta looking at the transfer window to improve the current squad. Arsenal are unlikely to make wholesale purchases in the market. They are focusing on bringing in specific players that improve their starting eleven.
Declan Rice could improve this team. Arsenal are increasingly confident about signing the 24-year-old star. West Ham United manager David Moyes has repeatedly insisted clubs need to break the British record to secure the midfielder. The reality might prove slightly different.
West Ham are somewhat secure about Rice through the structure of their contract with the midfielder. They look increasingly likely to lose him in the summer but know of the interest of big clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Many reports have claimed that Arsenal could wrap up the deal for £70-80 million. But the Gunners could ready themselves for a bigger outlay. The story suggests the club could break their transfer record for the £100 million-rated star. That would mean they will place a bid higher than the £72 million paid for Nicolas Pepe.
Chelsea are also keen on Rice. But the English international might prefer to join a team playing in the Champions League. Following their loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, finishing in one of the European positions seems difficult for the Blues.
Arsenal have more or less guaranteed themselves a return to the Champions League. And someone like Rice would do wonders for their squad. Arteta will hope for a successful spell in Europe next season and mounting another challenge for the Premier League title.
