Arsenal are set to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad this summer with a number of new signings heading to the Emirates Stadium. football.london reported in January that the Gunners are prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Rice will have one year left on his current deal at the London Stadium this summer and is expected to leave the Hammers. The England international has publicly expressed a desire to play for a team that challenges for trophies consistently and competes in the UEFA Champions League.
London rivals Chelsea are also interested in the 24-year-old, football.london understands. West Ham are thought to demand a fee in the region of £100million for Rice, but given the player's desire to leave and his contract situation at the club - an upfront fee of £70million including potential add-ons could secure his signature.
READ MORE: Declan Rice sent clear West Ham future message amid Arsenal and Chelsea transfer links
If the Hammers stand firm and refuse to let Rice leave for anything less than £100million, this could see Arsenal turn their attention to alternative targets - as they did by signing Jorginho after having two bids rejected by Brighton for Moises Caicedo in January. According to the Mirror, Liverpool have targeted Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips as an alternative signing to Jude Bellingham this summer.
The report states that Phillips would be open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer and may be available for a fee in the region of £35million. The City midfielder found himself out of favour under Pep Guardiola following a break in New York with friends after the World Cup, where he did feature for the Three Lions.
Guardiola criticised Phillips for being overweight before Christmas and the 27-year-old could now leave the club this summer after completing a £50million move to the Etihad Stadium last year. Arsenal could look to hijack Liverpool's move for Phillips ahead of next season if a deal for Rice is unsuccessful.
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