According to reports, Arsenal are considering a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
THE LOWDOWN: WINTER BUSINESS
Arsenal have been active a great deal in the transfer market. The Gunners enjoyed some success in the summer with the acquisition of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko as some of their headline signings.
Those signings coupled with the players on the ground have helped the Gunner soar to the top of the Premier League log and are champions at Christmas.
Arsenal have now been linked with a new name almost every passing day. The latest now is that the Gunners are considering a move for an English midfielder to help improve their options in the middle of the park.
THE LATEST: WEST HAM’S KEYMAN
Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, as per the Football.London.
Mikel Arteta is keen to reinforce his side’s midfield department in the upcoming January window and the Gunners have been linked with multiple midfield options recently.
Regarding Rice, it is highly unlikely the Gunners would be able to strike a deal for the West Ham ace this winter, given the Hammers would not want to lose a key player mid-season.
Meanwhile, the midfielder has already rejected an offer to sign a new contract with the London club. Although the 23-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in 18 months, he is still open to an extension for a further year.
By virtue of that, it is increasingly likely that he could leave the club next summer and not in January.
Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in his signature and would try and get ahead of others by launching a bid in January.
THE VERDICT: AUDACIOUS
No doubt, Declan Rice would be a sensational signing but it is crystal clear that he won’t be available until the summer.
It will be a miracle if Arsenal can snap Rice up in the winter transfer window. At this time, Arteta’s side need to add more firepower in midfield this January, so other viable options should be considered.