Arsenal are close to finalizing a deal for the £105m star, Rudy Galetti has told GIVEMESPORT
Arsenal are now “close” to signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has told GIVEMESPORT.
Following the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, Arsenal are looking to further strengthen their squad by adding Rice and Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal Transfer News – Declan Rice
Arsenal are getting closer and closer to completing their £105million transfer of the talented Rice, although it is taking a bit longer than Arsenal fans would have hoped.
The Daily Mirror has revealed the reason for the delay, reporting that the ‘schedule of staggered payments’ is proving to be a stumbling block to the deal.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were temporarily involved in the race for the wanted engine room operator but quickly withdrew interest.
City had rejected a £90m offer on Tuesday, according to The Guardian, and were unwilling to match the offer from their Premier League rivals.
This has left the door wide open for Arsenal to sign a deal, although Rice is not expected to be the last of the north London midfielders this summer.
What did Rudy Galetti say about Arsenal and Declan Rice?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Galetti hinted that Rice’s official move to the Emirates is imminent.
He said: “Again, regarding the Kane and Bayern Munich situation, it’s been a long courtship since January.
Arteta pushed him hard and that was a key part of the deal’s success and he can’t wait to have Declan at his disposal. Manchester City made only a slight attempt at their position for a few days, but were second to none as well.
“Declan Rice is set to join Arsenal. As we know, it’s a done deal – Declan Rice’s story is coming to an end after several months.”
What other midfielders could Arsenal also bring him?
Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix recently told GIVEMESPORT that despite Rice’s arrival, Arsenal will still be the underdog in midfield and the club should look for another signing. So who could Mikel Arteta recruit to partner with Rice?
Southampton star Romeo Lavia is high on Arteta’s shopping list but they face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea to sign the 19-year-old.
Fortunately for Arsenal, journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims the Gunners have the best relationship with Lavia’s agent.
Moises Caicedo, for whom Arsenal rejected two bids in January, but the 32-cap Ecuador international is attracting strong interest from city rivals Chelsea
Caicedo has established himself as a key figure at Brighton and it’s no wonder he has a number of top Premier League clubs vying for his services.
Although it looks like a tough challenge to land the 21-year-old, Arsenal could shock the footballing world by replacing Real Madrid youngster Aurelien Tchouameni if they fail to find Lavia and Caicedo, Football say.
