Arsenal have held positive talks with West Ham United captain Declan Rice in recent days, according to recent reports.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his options in midfield during the summer transfer window and football.london understands that Rice remains the Spaniard's primary target. football.london also understands that the north Londoners are confident they have a strong offer for the England international but feel that it will ultimately come down to the player to decide amid interest from a number of other top European clubs, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Arteta and Co. are keen to avoid a bidding war and they've shown in the past that they are willing to walk away from priority targets like Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk - who eventually joined United and Chelsea respectively. Arsenal are now preparing an official offer for the talented midfielder, having waited until after West Ham's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina as a mark of respect.
Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that recent talks have been going in a positive direction, with the Gunners ahead of Bayern in the race to sign Rice as the player is keen to stay in England. Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week.
"Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days. (White emoji) (Red emoji) #AFC Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England — but timing will be crucial for Arsenal."
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice offer, William Saliba contract, Chiesa contact
Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent midfielders in recent years, combining his elite defensive nous and reading of the game with an impressive penchant to progress the play, both with passing and the ball at his feet. In fact, the 24-year-old carries the ball over 9000 yards in the Premier League last season, a number that only two players bettered, according to fbref.
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