Football can sometimes work in mysterious ways and Arsenal could end up being the beneficiaries at some point during the summer transfer window.
For one reason or another, the Gunners' bid to get a deal wrapped up for Mikel Arteta's priority signing Declan Rice as quickly as possible hasn't quite gone to plan and there's every chance a transfer saga develops amid talk of Premier League champions Manchester City weighing up an offer of their own.
Out of respect for West Ham United, Arsenal delayed submitting a first formal offer until after the England international had captained the side to a historic win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final. However, that bid - which football.london understands would have seen the Gunners pay £80million over six years with at least £10million in add-ons - was rejected instantly.
