Arsenal are progressing towards landing priority target Declan Rice as negotiations could enter advanced stages in the coming week.
Fabrizio Romano insisted Arsenal will enter into crucial stages in their negotiations to sign Declan Rice in the coming week. The Gunners are optimistic about landing their priority midfield target, as an outcome might be reportedly reached in the next few days.
Arsenal are inching closer towards landing priority target Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta had long earmarked the West Ham midfielder as his main objective for the summer window, with the Gunners leading the chase.
Arsenal wants to conclude the signing of Rice as early as possible to avoid further complications. If there’s a gap in negotiations, it could allow rivals to enter the chase and possibly oust the Gunners. Despite claims the Hammers would want an even more massive transfer fee, Arsenal are ready to make a mammoth offer to tempt West Ham.
The consensus is that Arsenal’s move for Declan Rice is a ‘done deal’, with the midfielder keen on playing under Arteta. Despite mentioning rivals entering the chase, there’s a big chance Rice will join the north London side to continue his career.
Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week. Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England — but timing will be crucial for Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/8u3M8ltcbp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2023
West Ham reportedly proposed a part exchange involving Emile Smith-Rowe, but Arsenal will likely keep their academy star in the team. Hence, the likelihood of a cash-only deal is relevant. The Gunners may have already opened talks with West Ham after their Conference League victory in midweek.
Fabrizio Romano now insists talks could enter crucial stages in the coming weeks as Arsenal could finalise a move. The Gunners had laid the groundwork since January and were well ahead in the hunt. Bayern were also seriously interested in Rice, but the midfielder will want to stay in England.
For now, there’s nothing agreed between the two talks, but things could get advanced in the next few days. Arsenal hope to finalise a move fast and make Rice their player to focus on other targets.
They also chase Moises Caicedo, as Arteta wants another midfielder besides Rice. Talk of a new winger, central defender and right back is also rife, with the manager seeking a versatile right-sided defender to shore up the backline.
