Arsenal won't be paying over the odds for Declan Rice, according to one former star.
The north Londoners have been linked with a huge move for the West Ham United captain, with a figure as big as £100 million touted. Arsenal eight points clear at the top of the table, likely to qualify for the Champions League next season and will likely invest heavily in their squad this summer.
But despite more money being available to manager Mikel Arteta, one former Gunner says that the club won't be paying any more for Rice than what they believe him to be worth.
"I think Arsenal will never break the bank for a player that they do not think is worth it," former Arsenal star Eduardo da Silva told Betway, when asked if he thought the Gunners could sign Rice this summer.
"For example, for Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal submitted an £80m bid for him, but Chelsea bid £100m. Clearly, Arsenal did not think the price tag was worth it."
The former Croatia international who spent three seasons in the Premier League hastened to add that should Arsenal spend nine figures on Rice, it would be so because they felt that the player was worthy of that fee.
"However, if they were going to spend £100m on Declan Rice, that must mean the club thinks that he is worthy of that value," he added. Despite thinking that the Gunners could spend a lot of money this summer, Eduardo added that it wouldn't be a "crazy" window for the club.
"They may sell some players and if they do, they will surely need to replace them," Eduardo said. "However, if Arsenal keep the same team next season, I don’t think they will go crazy in the transfer window. They may buy a young player and mould him to fit their ideologies, but we will have to wait and see."
Rice is valued at €80m by Transfermarkt.
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The rumour mill is going into overdrive with Arsenal leading the way in the race to sign Declan Rice. One source claims a contract has been agreed with the midfielder, though Manchester City are interested, too. West Ham apparently have a successor lined up.
In other rumours, Raheem Sterling is being targeted, with a centre-forward on the wishlist, according to reports. A bid for Raphinha has been revealed while Rasmus Holjund of Atalanta is on the radar, too. January target Ivan Fresneda is still wanted by the Gunners, as well.
Meanwhile, Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk – who turned down Arsenal in the winter window – has addressed his supposed unhappiness at Stamford Bridge.
