Declan Rice is already attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, and Arsenal can be encouraged by the latest development
Arsenal have been handed another huge boost towards the signing of Declan Rice this summer, with West Ham reportedly open to negotiate a deal. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta looks to further bolster his midfield options.
According to FootballTransfers, senior figures at West Ham want a lump sum up front for Rice, which is said to be between £85million and £95m. However, the report states that the Hammers boss wants a part-exchange swap deal to immediately strengthen his side.
FootballTransfers claim that the Arsenal players Moyes has his eye on are Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi-Lokonga. Interestingly, the former sees his contract with the Gunners expire at the end of next month and he'll soon be available for free.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Anton Ferdinand claimed that now is the perfect time for Rice to leave West Ham – especially with Granit Xhaka said to be leaving to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer. He said: "I think this will be it, if I’m being really honest.
"It kills me to say because he’s been such a fantastic player and a massive part of our team. But I think for him and for us as a club, I think it’s time.
"He’s given everything he can to the football club. And if we do win the Conference League, that’s a perfect sign-off. Arsenal’s the perfect fit for him. I’d play him in the eight, I’d play him where Xhaka is."