Arsenal have been told that top target Declan Rice is likely to link up with Mason Mount at Chelsea this summer if he stays at Stamford Bridge, but the Gunners can use that message as clear transfer advice.
Like the West Ham captain, Mount also faces an uncertain future at his current club with a contract dilemma meaning a summer move is likely. Co-owner Todd Boehly has entered discussions with the 24-year-old regarding an extension but no progress has been made and with his current contract expiring next summer, an imminent departure appears likely.
Aware of his situation and their own issues in midfield, Arsenal are interested in signing Mount this summer, as are Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter look to have taken the lead in that transfer race by readying a major £55million bid, although it being accepted is unlikely as it falls way below the Blues' £85million valuation.
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A transfer war chest looks set to be handed to Arteta and Edu by owner Stan Kroenke which will certainly help major additions be made at Emirates Stadium. Two midfielders joining the club is a real possibility with depth severely needed, and this was prior to news of Granit Xhaka's impending departure to Bayer Leverkusen.
It would be a challenge financially to sign Rice and another top class midfielder, but Arsenal are expected to try and achieve that feat. As football.london have reported since February, Rice is the priority for the Gunners, but he is joined on their wish list by Mount, Mohammed Kudus, Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi.
While Arsenal will likely do everything in their power to sign Rice, West Ham remaining in the Premier League presents an issue regarding his price. The Gunners first official bid is expected to be at £92million, although the Hammers are holding out for a £120million package deal.
However, there is potentially a way, barring financial difficulties, that Arsenal can sign Rice and also bring in an attacking midfielder, despite former Chelsea man Glen Johnson believing they will not be able to afford him.
Speaking to Lord Ping, he said: "Right now he (Rice) is hot property and there are so many other teams who are going to want him. Arsenal are not going to be able to compete financially when it comes to salary or transfer fees against City or Bayern or PSG - it is just not going to happen.
"I think he would be a great fit at Arsenal because he has the technical ability and he would suit that team down to the ground. But, if he is available, then the bigger teams are going to take him.
"I think Rice is more likely to go to Chelsea than Arsenal, especially if Mount stays. They are obviously good friends, they go way back. Mount to Arsenal is probably the most realistic transfer out of all those scenarios. He is another fantastic player and he would suit that team down to the ground and he would probably cost half the money."
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