The summer transfer window is only weeks away now as Arsenal prepare for a huge market that could push them even closer to title rivals Manchester City for next season. Mikel Arteta has already hinted at the need to make tough decisions in the window, looking to ensure his side can win everything possible.
football.london understands that West Ham captain Declan Rice is a top priority for the Gunners to help bolster their midfield ranks. However, despite having just 12-months remaining on his contract, reports claim that the Hammers will ask for a huge transfer fee of £120million for his services.
Arsenal may be able to reduce that fee though, should they include some players to sweeten the deal for their London counterparts. With that said, here's a look at a few players that could be part of a deal for Rice in the summer transfer window.
READ MORE: Granit Xhaka transfer latest: Arsenal exit links, Borussia Dortmund move, Mikel Arteta claim
Folarin Balogun
Youngster Folarin Balogun has impressed in his season on loan at Reims, where he has been amongst the top scorers in Ligue 1. With his rapid progression in mind, it appears as though a guarantee of first-team involvement is a desire on his return to the club, though it could be tough to do that.
As a result, a transfer may end up being the best solution for all parties and with the youngster showing plenty of promise, joining the Hammers may end up being a good move.
Charlie Patino
With a midfielder potentially on the way out with Rice, perhaps an incoming would be best to for Arsenal to be able to reduce the fee on Rice. Youngster Charlie Patino could fit the bill, with the Hale End academy graduate set to leave as he searches for a guarantee of first-team football.
Kieran Tierney
Defender Kieran Tierney has struggled to make his way back into the team this season since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko. That could lead to his exit and given his quality, any deal may allow for a hefty chunk to be taken out of the deal to sign Rice in the summer window.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Zinchenko's injury, Xhaka's contract and Ramsdale
Joao Cancelo gives Mikel Arteta clear Arsenal transfer warning with Man City admission
Brighton handed huge blow as star player set to miss Arsenal clash amid Mikel Arteta title race
Latest Brighton injury news as seven miss Arsenal with major blow and Moises Caicedo plan
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
