Arsenal are reportedly targeting West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice as their top midfield transfer target for the summer window. The Gunners are looking to add to their midfield options, having brought in Jorginho from Chelsea on January deadline day to cover for the long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny. The 31-year-old has featured in three games so far and played a key role in their 4-2 win over Aston Villa last Saturday. Arsenal were linked with several midfielders in the winter transfer window, including Brighton ace Moises Caicedo, but the South Coast club rejected two late bids worth at least £70m. Youri Tielemans and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic have also been linked with a move to Arsenal, but the club’s primary focus is on Rice. The England international is renowned as one of the best-holding midfielders in the Premier League, having made over 200 appearances, scored 11 goals, and provided 13 assists since signing his first professional contract with West Ham in 2016. He featured in all the games for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as they exited the competition in the quarter-finals. Arsenal are unlikely to have the funds to compete for Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham in the summer, with his asking price believed to be around £150m.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice as their main target for the summer transfer window, having brought in Jorginho from Chelsea in January as an emergency signing due to Mohamed Elneny’s long-term injury.
Although the Gunners have been linked to several midfielders including Brighton ace Moises Caicedo, who rejected two bids in excess of £70m, the North London club are now focusing on England international Rice.
Rice has made over 200 appearances, scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists since signing his first professional contract with the Hammers in 2016, and is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He was a prominent part of the England squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.
Arsenal are unlikely to be able to meet the asking price of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, who is valued at around £150m, with their finite finances.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield and Rice is seen as the ideal candidate with his vast Premier League experience, technical ability and robust defensive style. Howevver, the Gunners will have to make an attractive offer to persuade West Ham to part with their star man.
