Declan Rice is closing in on a record-breaking move to Arsenal - six months after he praised Mikel Arteta's 'incredible' coaching.
The Gunners have submitted a third offer for West Ham skipper Rice. Arsenal are willing to pay £105million for the Englishman, 24, with £100m of that transfer fee paid up front. The Hammers are yet to respond to the bid, but the signs are good for Arteta.
Arsenal's main rivals for Rice, Manchester City, are believed to have ended their interest. Furthermore, the Gunners have now matched West Ham's minimum asking price of £100m. It seems like only a matter of time before the huge summer transfer is completed.
Rice's preference is a move to the Emirates and it's easy to see why following his comments on Arsenal after their 3-1 home win against the Hammers on Boxing Day. It was his remark about the coaching at the Emirates which was particularly interesting.
Rice told reporters: "I think they're a top team, you can see they're coached incredibly well. The attacking talent, it's a young squad... They're a good team."
Rice's comments show why he's willing to turn down a move to Man City, despite Pep Guardiola's side winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last season. The Londoner's preference is to continue his career in his hometown.
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Arsenal are in need of a new central midfielder, as Granit Xhaka is set to join Bayer Leverkusen after seven years of service. Thomas Partey could also leave the Emirates this summer, with Juventus and clubs in Saudi Arabia after his signature.
Rice also spoke highly of the Gunners ahead of their 2-2 away draw with West Ham in April, a result which derailed Arsenal's title bid. He said: "[Arsenal] have had a strong season and have now got a real identity to the way they play under Mikel Arteta.
"I obviously know a few of their players from England and they are not only top-class on the pitch but good boys off it - but of course those friendships will go out the window when we kick-off... we know Arsenal are a top team."
West Ham owner David Sullivan has confirmed Rice will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer if his asking price is met. The midfielder expressed his desire to play Champions League football during last year's World Cup in Qatar.
Rice told reporters: "100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
"I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in."
