Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his squad with a top-tier holding midfielder this summer, and Rice has emerged as one of Arsenal’s top targets.
While the Gunners have been linked with midfielders such as Moises Caicedo, Alex MacAllister, and Amadou Onana in recent months, there is a growing belief that they will be able to sign the West Ham player.
Rice was seen conversing with Arteta following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at West Ham last weekend, and Jones believes it was good PR for him because it allowed him to begin relationship building ahead of a potential summer move to the north London club.
Jones stated to Give Me Sport:
“He’s very keen on joining Arsenal.” Conversations with the manager and captain are good PR for him, and they allow him to begin relationship building ahead of the summer talks.”
Significant signing
Following a disappointing season for the Hammers, it is almost certain that this will be Rice’s final season with the London club.
He has been a devoted West Ham player and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers for both club and country over the last two seasons. Rice has always been excellent defensively, but he has greatly improved in other areas such as ball retention, passing, distribution, making intelligent runs, carrying the ball forward, and even scoring goals.
His leadership abilities could benefit any team. Rice stated during the World Cup in Qatar that he wants to play in the Champions League and that the Hammers will not stand in his way if he decides to leave.
Rice’s contract with the club runs until 2024, but the Hammers have the option to extend it for another year. The midfielder has already turned down several contract extension offers, and he is not motivated by money.
He would be a costly acquisition for Arsenal. David Moyes previously stated that signing Rice would necessitate a British transfer record fee, but journalist Journalist Paul Brown believes that a fee of around £80 million should be sufficient to entice him away from the London stadium.
