Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
The 23-year-old made his senior debut for the Hammers back in May 2017 and has since gone on to make 218 appearances for the east London club.
As things stand, the Englishman is set to see his contract at the London Stadium expire in the summer of 2024, although the club have the option to extend it for an extra year.
Back in April, it was reported that the midfielder had rejected a third offer from West Ham to sign a new contract at the club and is now open to making a move elsewhere.
With that in mind, Rice has found himself on the radar of another London club for a potential transfer.
In a recent Twitter post, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti had this to say on the situation:
“Arsenal have put in their sights Declan Rice. AFC want to buy a defensive midfielder in the summer and the West Ham player is a concrete option. First contacts already happened: evolving situation.”
This season has seen the England international show why he is so important for David Moyes’ side in the middle of the pitch.
Having played more minutes than any other figure at the club, Rice has also made more progressive passes (73) than any of his teammates as well as having the highest passing accuracy (89.2%).
Would you take Declan Rice at Arsenal for £70m?
Yes
No
As well as making more shot-creating actions (58) than any other player at West Ham, the midfielder has also shown how effective he is without the ball by making more interceptions (28) than anyone else.
Having been hailed as a “phenomenal talent” by journalist Tom Clark, the West Ham star would almost certainly be a strong addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad given what he’s able to do in and out of possession.
With a potential price tag of £70m being touted by journalist Matt Law, this is definitely a significant investment that the Gunners should look to make.