Report: Arsenal readying opening bid that would smash their transfer record

Arsenal are set to make their first move in their efforts to secure the services of talented West Ham midfielder Declan Rice in a potentially record-breaking deal worth up to £100 million. 

Despite the interest of other clubs such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Arsenal appears to be the frontrunner due to their superior financial package and the allure of allowing Rice to continue playing in London. The Gunners see Rice as a crucial addition to their squad, offering both consistency and reliability in the holding midfield role that has often been plagued by injury concerns.

Arsenal’s interest in Rice has been long documented, but today transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has said an opening bid will arrive soon. 

In recent seasons, Arsenal have faced significant challenges in maintaining consistency and stability in their midfield. While Thomas Partey has shown glimpses of his talent in the holding midfield position, his proneness to injuries has left the team exposed on several occasions. Recognizing the need for a reliable and durable presence in midfield, Mikel Arteta has set its sights on the highly regarded Declan Rice and a deal has been in the works since January. 

Declan Rice has been a standout performer for West Ham United, demonstrating exceptional maturity and composure beyond his years. At just 23 years old, he has already amassed considerable experience in the Premier League and has become an integral part of West Ham’s success in recent seasons. His ability to shield the defence, read the game, and distribute the ball effectively makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s midfield requirements.

Moreover, Rice’s presence would provide Arsenal with the much-needed consistency and dependability that has eluded them in the holding midfield role. Rice can marshal the midfield, disrupt opposition attacks, and provide a solid foundation for their attacking players to thrive.

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Manchester City and Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in securing Declan Rice’s services. However, Arsenal’s financial package and the prospect of remaining in London are likely to give them the edge in the pursuit. The Gunners are prepared to invest significantly to acquire Rice’s talents, demonstrating their ambition to return to the pinnacle of English football.

Arsenal are eager to finalise the deal for Declan Rice early in June, allowing them to move forward with other transfer targets and strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season. However, any official agreement is expected to be delayed until after 7th June when West Ham competes in the Europa Conference League final. Arsenal are respectful of that situation and hope that once the competition concludes, negotiations can progress swiftly.

Elsewhere in midfield, Arsenal are hoping to sign one of Ilkay Gundogan or Mason Mount to replace the departing Granit Xhaka.