Peter Lynch

Tue 16 May 2023 8:10, UK

Arsenal are expected to open talks with West Ham captain Declan Rice over a £90million summer transfer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners are prepared to spend big this summer as they look to bolster their squad for their return to the Champions League next season.

And while they don’t want to meet West Ham’s £100million evaluation of the midfielder, they are prepared to offer him a £300,000-per-week, or even more contract.

“Arsenal are set to open talks with West Ham over a £90million deal for Declan Rice as they look to build a more powerful squad for their Champions League return,” according to the Daily Mail (Back page, 16 May).

“The Gunners will look to offset their anticipated spend by selling several players, including Granit Xhaka. England midfielder Rice is the club’s number one target and Arsenal are willing to break their transfer record of £72million, for winger Nicolas Pepe in 2019, to land the 24-year-old.

“They are reluctant to meet West Ham’s £100million valuation of Rice, but are willing to offer him a contract worth more than £300,000-a-week.”

West Ham in driving seat

Arsenal have enjoyed a superb season, but their efforts look to be in vain as Manchester City close in on the Premier League title with just a handful of matches remaining.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will be proud but ultimately disappointed, with his young squad coming up short at the very end.

But the lack of success will make sure that the manager goes big in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal in desperate need of a bigger and more balanced squad if they are to fight on all fronts next season.

Rice is seemingly their priority, meaning they may just be forced into meeting the £100million evaluation of the midfielder if West Ham hold firm this summer.

Their star man seems destined to leave East London, but the Hammers are definitely in the driving seat over his fee, particularly given how many clubs are reportedly showing an interest in his services.