ARSENAL are believed to have pulled out of a deal to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in order to poach a top Chelsea target.
The Ukrainian winger was signed by the Blues in a mega-money deal despite long-term interest from the Gunners.
It had been expected that Mudryk would join Arsenal after he posted about the club on his social media.
However, the reason why Mikel Arteta’s side dropped out of the race to sign him has been revealed.
Arsenal are now planning a swoop for Chelsea target Declan Rice, according to The Independent.
The report suggests that the North London side are “hopeful” of signing the West Ham captain this summer.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
Rice has developed into one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League over the last few seasons.
He has also become a leader in the Hammers side, having taken over captaincy duties from the retired Mark Noble.
Although the 24-year-old has made no secret of wanting to challenge for trophies in his career, something that is looking unlikely at 18th-placed West Ham.
Arsenal will have to fight off interest from the Blues to sign Rice, but will have a couple of advantages.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
With Graham Potter’s side currently in 10th, the Gunners are far more likely to be able to offer Champions League football next season.
Arsenal will also have plenty of cash in the budget to spend, whereas it would be expected that Chelsea’s continued heavy spending will have to cease at some point.
The Gunners also have Emile Smith Rowe, who plays in a similar position to Mudyrk, coming back from injury.
So Arteta may have also thought that there was less need to spend over £80m on another attacker when that money could be better spent elsewhere in the squad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
