News of Manchester City's plans to make an official offer for Arsenal priority signing Declan Rice has sent shockwaves throughout everyone associated with the Gunners.
football.london understands Pep Guardiola's side will make their first move for the West Ham captain in the coming days. The treble-winners have been keen on Rice for many years and now look on course to test Arsenal's resolve in their own valuation of the midfielder.
Frustration has built amongst supporters in the last 24 hours after the Gunners twice refused to meet West Ham's very clear valuation of £100million. The north London outfit had a first bid of £80million plus at least £10million rejected last week before another bid was turned down on Tuesday.
The actual value of City's bid remains to be seen, though their financial pull often portrayed in recent years showcases their willingness to pay the right price for their targets. But in Arsenal's case, their decision to secure the deal on their terms could mean sporting director Edu Gaspar may have to seek alternatives.
And Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella could be the perfect fit. The energetic Italian enjoyed another impressive season in Milan and managed to implement some offensive production to his game. He scored nine goals and assisted a further six, created 77 chances for his teammates and delivered 105 crosses, according to RotoWire.
Interest in Barella from the Premier League has seemed to lurk for a number of transfer windows. Earlier this month, it was reported that Newcastle had made advancements in their pursuit but they now are on the verge to sign AC Milan's defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Barella interest, Partey 'priority', Man City enter Rice race
According to FCInterNews, Barella's transfer saga is far from over and Arsenal are amongst the number of Premier League sides in the running for his signature. The report adds that Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen.
Barella is said to be viewed as an alternative to Rice, should their attempts to land their priority transfer fall through.
However, like West Ham with Rice, Inter Milan have no intentions of letting one of their best players go for cheap. I Nerazzurri will only be open to negotiating a deal for a fee close to €90m-€100m (£77.4m-£86m) - lower than Rice's price tag.
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