Arsenal set to take revenge over Mudryk by hijacking Chelsea transfer pursuit

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 17 Jan 2023 07:07 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal are looking to bounce back from the shock and disappointment of missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea by swooping for one of the Blues’ top transfer targets.

The Gunners thought they were in pole position to sign Mudryk but Chelsea submitted an improved offer to Shakhtar and the 22-year-old swiftly signed a seven-and-a-half year contract with Arsenal’s London rivals.

While Mikel Arteta’s side are still believed to be in the market for a forward this month, they have also cast their eyes onto next season’s plans and a report in The Times claims Arsenal have made Declan Rice their top target in the summer.

NEW DAWN: How Arsenal are moving on from Mudryk

The West Ham captain is entering the final year of his contract and, although there is an option to extend his deal for another year, the club are likely to cash in on the 24-year-old due to his desire to leave.

Arsenal are confident they can beat Chelsea to the signing of Rice despite the Blues having chased the England international for a number of years, having previously released him from their academy at age 14.

West Ham are understood to be holding out for around £100 million for Rice but, while the Gunners are willing to pay more than the £72m club record they spent on Nicolas Pepe, there is a belief the deal could get done for significantly cheaper.

A midfield battle in North and West London

Arsenal are looking to sign a defensive midfielder as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey, who will be 30 in the summer and have just two years remaining on his contract.

The club had been identifying younger talent such as Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, who has agreed to sign for Nottingham Forest, but the club’s title push has seen Arteta opt for a more proven candidate, making Rice a standout target.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still looking to continue their spending spree this month by bringing in a midfielder but their interest in Rice has cooled since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Graham Potter, with the Hammers star more of a favourite of the previous regime.

There is still admiration for Rice at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are understood to be prioritising Enzo Fernandez of Benfica and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, the latter of whom is likely to be pursued this winter.

GAME ON: Chelsea and Liverpool set to battle for Caicedo

Ultimately there is no love lost between Arsenal and Chelsea after the Mudryk deal and both sides may come head-to-head again over Rice, however, with the Blues looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League and seemingly targeting other players instead, the Gunners could have a clear run at their top transfer target this summer.