Arsenal could seal a deal with West Ham over a move for Declan Rice as soon as this week, with a meeting handing them an ideal opportunity. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a switch for the West Ham midfielder, who looks set for an exit with just two-years remaining on his contract.
football.london understands that Rice remains a top priority for the north London outfit in the coming weeks, with hopes of bolstering the midfield options at the club. Arsenal won't be drawn into a bidding war though, as seen when they've previously backed out of deals for Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk.
They face some stern competition for the 24-year-old this summer though, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich also heavily linked with a switch. The Gunners were reported to be making an opening bid soon after the Europa Conference League final, which the Hammers were involved in.
A £90million offer was said to be the starting point for the north London outfit, despite their London rivals holding a valuation closer to £120million. However, according to reports on Monday, a total package could exceed £100million if add-ons are reached in the deal.
The Arsenal hierarchy could thrash out a move even quicker this week, with an opportunity arising that they could take advantage of. That's due to the upcoming Premier League chief executives meeting that is being held in the coming days, where all clubs meet to discuss plans for the division going forward.
With representatives of the Gunners and the Hammers meeting in one place, it could present the perfect chance for the transfer to make significant progress towards completion. Such a move would underline the ambitions of the club next season, with the project already taking shape.
READ NEXT:
Declan Rice sparks Arsenal transfer frenzy after Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka gesture
Director reveals William Saliba and Mikel Arteta had 'issues' before Arsenal contract agreed
