DECLAN RICE has been touted as top of an all-star target list for Arsenal ahead of this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.
Arsenal are stepping up plans to revamp the squad after guaranteeing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal have placed Declan Rice high on their priority list as they want a high-class midfielder, according to Telegraph Sport.
Boss Mikel Arteta has made Rice, 24, a top pick for the centre of the pitch due to his technical ability and strength.
The West Ham United captain would certainly add more dynamism and technical quality to the midfield, but will not come cheap.
West Ham manager David Moyes has said Rice will set a new British transfer record if he does leave the club.
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Arsenal had originally wanted to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo back in January, before adding Rice in the summer.
But a £70million offer for Caicedo was rejected in the final few days of the winter transfer window.
Caicedo remains on Arteta’s list of targets, and is joined by several other players.
According to Telegraph Sport, Arsenal have had exploratory conversations with Chelsea star Mason Mount, who is coming to his final year of his contract at the club.
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Mount could be a potential alternative first-choice signing to Rice, who happens to be one of his close friends.
Arsenal could also pursue their interest in Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
The recruitment team at Arsenal put in a lot of work in their assessment of the 18-year old in January, possibly looking at a move in the summer for him.
Money from player sales will also affect Arsenal’s financial situation.
Left-back Kieran Tierney is said to have interest from Newcastle and on-loan striker Folarin Balogun has generated interest from multiple clubs across Europe.
Arsenal’s record signing Nicolas Pepe may not feature again for the club after his loan to Nice, as his contract expires in summer 2024.
That makes it difficult for Arsenal to ask for a large transfer fee for him in the summer.
The Gunners will make around £6million from the sale of Pablo Mari to Monza at the close of this campaign.
But this depends on the Italian side avoiding relegation and the defender playing the required amount of games.
Arsenal are returning to the Champions League after a three-year break, with their qualification for the competition set to be worth at least £50million.
The team are hoping to rely on the riches from the league to help their long-term financial stability, having watched the four English clubs that took part last season making an average of £88million each.
To compare, Eintracht Frankfurt only took home around £34million when they won the Europa League.
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This will be good news to Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, as the team continues its upward trajectory.
Qualifying for the Champions League also puts Arsenal in a strong position to attract new recruits.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
