Arsenal seem to hold two key advantages over rivals Manchester City in the transfer chase for West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer. It comes as talks heat up over the future of the 24-year-old as an exit from the Hammers seems very likely, with just two-years remaining on his contract.
The Gunners saw their first offer rejected - a package worth a total of £80million with add-ons included - before returning with a second bid. That was rejected too, having increased the overall deal to £90million, however the structure didn't suit West Ham, including the add-ons.
Personal terms don't appear to be an issue, but interest from Premier League rivals does seem to be a legitimate threat in the coming weeks. Following on from the loss of Ilkay Gundogan, who appears set to join Barcelona on a free transfer once his contract expires this month, there's a requirement for a replacement.
Rice could be just that, with reports claiming that City have made a bid for the Hammers midfielder in excess of £100million. football.london understands these claims to be premature, with talks ongoing over a switch, but a first bid yet to be tabled by the reigning Premier League champions.
While there is naturally some concern over a deal, football.london also understands that Rice would prefer a move to Arsenal over City if he was given the choice. That would, however, require the Gunners to match any fee that their rivals would make in the next few weeks, setting a potentially dangerous precedent in the market.
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With that outlining the first boost, there may be a second way in which the north London outfit can get around a huge transfer fee this summer. That being a potential swap deal with the Hammers that could reduce the overall fee spent, with Eddie Nketiah being a player of particular interest.
According to a report from the Sun, the incoming arrival of Kai Havertz has "unsettled" the striker and he could look to make an exit as a result. West Ham are labelled as one of the teams monitoring a switch, having outlined their need to add a centre-forward to their ranks.
Given Nketiah's long-term deal that was signed last summer, it could put the ball in Arsenal's court to get a swap deal over the line and would work in favour of both teams. It remains to be seen whether they do that though, as plans around Nketiah could lean either way.
Who would you keep or sell at Arsenal this summer?
