Arsenal’s THREE positive updates over Rice transfer

Robin Bairner

• 16 Jun 2023 08:07 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal may have seen their first bid for Declan Rice rejected by West Ham, but Mikel Arteta’s side remain in the driving seat to sign the England international midfielder.

The Gunners have had a bad week in the transfer window. As well as having their bid of around £82 million – exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers – rejected by the Hammers, they have seen their prospects of signing Brighton’s Moises Caicedo shattered by Chelsea, who are willing to outspend them for the Ecuador star.

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Further concerns were raised on Wednesday when it emerged that Manchester City are ready to step up their interest in Rice.

There are, however, still plenty of reasons for the Gunners to feel positive about their prospects of signing the 24-year-old.

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Why Arsenal should be positive over Rice transfer

Firstly, Rice continues to want to move to Arsenal. FootballTransfers revealed as far back as January that the Gunners were the West Ham midfielder’s preferred destination. The Daily Express reports that this remains the case, despite City’s interest. This gives Mikel Arteta’s men a key advantage in the transfer race.

Secondly, Arsenal should be heartened that Man City have no present need to sign a central midfielder. Ilkay Gundogan – who was expected to depart the club – remains in talks over a new contract, according to Sky Sports, and while there is a dispute over the length of his contract, these discussions continue to be very active.

On top of this, Bernardo Silva appears no closer to leaving the club. PSG do not appear to be any closer to signing the Portugal international, while Barcelona will have to complete a myriad of sales to secure the former Monaco man. Barca, in particular, appear miles from being to do a transfer deal.

With these two players still at City, their interest in Rice will remain as a watching brief.

Finally, the latest piece of news that should have Arsenal heartened that they will land Rice comes from Manchester United. Reports that the Old Trafford club is unlikely to be sold before the start of the season means that the Gunners have a huge window of opportunity to complete this deal. The Red Devils, after all, might have taken an interest in Rice had they the funds to facilitate a move – something that manager Erik ten Hag simply does not have at present.

So while it’s been a difficult week for Arsenal, there are still reasons to be optimistic over Rice.