Arsenal's pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice may be made easier by the Hammers' own interest in a Gunners player this summer transfer window. football.london understands that Arsenal have made the 24-year-old their top priority for the upcoming market in hopes of revamping the midfield.
A move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo was made in January, but failed as Mikel Arteta added Jorginho to the ranks for the short-term, with plenty of experience. Caicedo has once again been linked alongside Mason Mount as potential options, but at this stage, Rice seems the most likely option.
A report from the Mirror claims that the West Ham captain has already decided upon making the switch to the Emirates Stadium next season amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea too. It would provide a major breakthrough in the deal being agreed with the player on board.
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However, there is still the issue of overcoming negotiations with the Irons, who will be looking to either hold onto their captain or demand a high fee with just one-year remaining on his contract. Sky Sports have reported that a fee of £120million will be required to land Rice.
Arteta and his backroom staff may have been handed some slight leverage in talks and a potential swap deal though as Portuguese outlet Record reports that Nuno Tavares is of interest to the Hammers. The left-back struggled in his first season at the club, following his switch from Benfica, and has since spent this campaign on loan at Marseille.
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While there have been positive moments, it appears as though the youngster will now return to the club, where his future is up in the air. Should he be of interest to West Ham and if Arsenal are willing to let the defender leave, then a swap deal with a fee involved could be on the cards.
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