Arsenal's pursuit of Declan Rice has taken a step closer to completion as a summer transfer bid is prepared ahead of the transfer window opening. football.london understands that the 24-year-old is a top priority for the north London outfit in the upcoming market, but as with the cases of Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk, they will not be drawn into a bidding war for the player.
It comes as Mikel Arteta looks to shuffle his midfield option in the coming weeks, with Rice just one of a number of options linked with a move. Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount and Ilkay Gundogan are just a few other names that join the West Ham captain in being monitored by the Gunners.
With two-years left on the England international's deal, a move seems likely as any value he may hold in the market may fall with any less time and would leave the Hammers in a weaker negotiating position. While that will certainly be in mind, the current thought process may be surrounding celebration instead.
