Arsenal are gearing up for Declan Rice’s plunge despite David Moyes claiming it would take a UK record fee to sign the West Ham midfielder…while also keeping an eye on ‘summer moves for Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount holds’
- Arsenal have named West Ham star Declan Rice as their main transfer target
- Hammers boss David Moyes has insisted his captain will demand a hefty fee
- The club is also reportedly looking at moves for Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount
Arsenal will ramp up their bid to sign Declan Rice this summer as the 24-year-old approaches the final year of his contract with West Ham.
Rice has long been seen as Arsenal’s main target for the upcoming transfer window, and Mikel Arteta isn’t the only Premier League manager to be an outspoken admirer of the England midfielder.
The Spaniard’s determination to sign Rice has only been bolstered by Arsenal’s successes this season, with the club securing Champions League football for the first time since 2016.
Although Rice’s contract at the London Stadium expires in June 2024, Hammers boss David Moyes is determined his captain will not leave the club in the summer for a cut price.
Moyes has previously stated that Rice will only leave the club if a suitor is willing to break the British record, which currently stands at the £106 million fee Chelsea paid Benfica for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January.
Arsenal have made West Ham captain Declan Rice their main transfer target this summer
But Hammers boss David Moyes has warned Rice will not leave the club without a hefty fee
Rice made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers this season, scoring in their UEFA Conference League second leg quarter-final victory against Gent earlier this month.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Arsenal are ready to renew their interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo in the summer.
The Ecuadorian midfielder looked poised to make the move to the Emirates in January in a £70 million deal, even releasing a statement begging his club to allow him to join the leaders of the Premier League, but the Seagulls refused to sell.
Despite his desire to leave the south coast club, Caicedo has remained a vital part of Roberto De Zerbi’s side as they continue to hunt for European qualification this season.
Moises Caicedo (left) and Mason Mount (right) are also summer targets for Mikel Arteta’s squad
In the meantime Mason Mount has also been mentioned as a potential transfer target for the Gunners during the summer.
Arsenal have contacted Chelsea and held exploratory talks about the 24-year-old’s availability.
Mount enters the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and is expected to be allowed to leave the club this summer as Chelsea look to cut down their bloated squad as they prepare for a campaign without European football.