Arsenal's interest in West Ham star Declan Rice will accelerate in the coming weeks as the Premier League season comes to an end. The Gunners have been linked with the midfielder for some time now and are due to make their first official move in the summer.
football.london reported back in January that Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are prioritising a move for the England international.
Rice will cost Arsenal close to £100million at the season, with the Hammers' Premier League status secured over the weekend. The midfielder's deal at the London Stadium is set to expire next June, with West Ham having an option to extend by a further year.
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The 24-year-old has rejected approaches from the club over a new deal, with his desire to play in the Champions League due to play a part in his decision-making.
With Premier League football ending this weekend, the Gunners are expected to step-up their pursuit of the box-to-box ahead of the 2023/24 season. Supporters will be excited by the prospect of seeing England's star midfielder feature for the club next season, but when exactly can Arsenal sign Rice?
The summer transfer window opens on June 14, over two weeks after the last game of the season, meaning the earliest Rice could sign for the club is in the middle of June.
Should the transfer saga drag on, Arteta and Edu must ensure the deal is completed by 11pm on Friday September 1.
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