Arsenal have held positive talks with West Ham United captain Declan Rice in recent days, according to recent reports.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his options in midfield during the summer transfer window and football.london understands that Rice remains the Spaniard's primary target. football.london also understands that the north Londoners are confident they have a strong offer for the England international but feel that it will ultimately come down to the player to decide amid interest from a number of other top European clubs, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Arteta and Co. are keen to avoid a bidding war and they've shown in the past that they are willing to walk away from priority targets like Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk - who eventually joined United and Chelsea respectively. Arsenal are now preparing an official offer for the talented midfielder, having waited until after West Ham's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina as a mark of respect.
