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Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Arsenal can save £120m on Declan Rice deal with free transfer for the 'next Ilkay Gundogan'

Arsenal's summer transfer window looks set to be yet another big one, with the Gunners looking to build upon their return to form at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta will be hopeful of long-term success with plenty of title pushes and with Champions League football back at the Emirates Stadium, some switches may be required.

A fine balance of incomings and outgoings will need to be managed, though it appears at this stage that the area of focus for signings will be the midfield. football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority for the north London outfit heading into the summer transfer window.

The move could help them close the gap on their rivals, especially given the fact that Rice has just 12-months remaining on his contract. However, Sky Sports reports that the Hammers have set a huge £120million price tag on their captain, which may make him unattainable.

READ MORE: Brighton handed huge blow as star player set to miss Arsenal clash amid Mikel Arteta title race

If that is the case, then attention may have to turn elsewhere to reinforce the central ranks, including a potential bargain in the window. Sky Germany previously reported Arsenal's interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, while Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he is set to be a free agent this summer.

Many Premier League clubs are said to have made an approach, with a switch to England seeming most likely, which could save Arsenal a huge fee. Dahoud has previously been likened to Ilkay Gundogan, who has been a success for City since joining up with Pep Guardiola.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make a move for Dahoud, but it could be a shrewd piece of business in a market of inflated transfer fees.

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