Arsenal to 'ATTACK' and 'PUSH' for top target - Romano

Tom Weber

• 16 May 2023 19:22 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are ready to fight tooth and nail to land the signature of West Ham star Declan Rice, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The midfielder has long since been one of England's most sought-after players and a move finally appears to be on the cards. Indeed, Hammers coach David Moyes recently admitted for the first time that there is a good chance that the 24-year-old will be plying his trade elsewhere next term.

Out of contract next year and with no interest in extending from the player's side, West Ham will try to cash in on their midfield star this summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea keenly interested, while the name of Manchester United has also repeatedly cropped up.

It is the Gunners, however, who are most desperate to fight for Rice's signature, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. This is not surprising as Mikel Arteta will hope to launch another title bid and go deep in the Champions League next term.

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The departure of Granit Xhaka, which appears to be edging closer, means that Arsenal must bring in some reinforcements in the centre of the park in the upcoming months.

What did Romano say?

"They need at least one more midfielder, it could be two depending on the budget they will have to invest in that position," the Italian told his 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, "and we know the situation of Declan Rice. He has always been a top target for Arsenal."

"Arsenal want to prepare an official bid in the next few weeks. This is not something imminent because West Ham's intention is not to negotiate; they want to focus on the Conference League, they want to focus on the final games of the season and then, in June, discuss Declan Rice's future."

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"Arsenal will be there, Arsenal will attack the situation of Declan Rice, and now it's a priority for them to go for that one...Arsenal know they will not be alone because of Chelsea's interest, because of other English clubs including Manchester United keeping an eye on the situation because all of them need a midfielder, but Arsenal want to push on this one."