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Ex-Gunner believes Arsenal unlikely to sign Rice this summer

By on May 9, 2023

Declan-Rice

Former Arsenal defender turned pundit Martin Keown believes the Gunners won’t be going to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

It has widely been suggested that the North London club have prioritised strengthening their engine room during the off-season. They have been linked with numerous midfielders over the last few months but Rice has been widely cited as Arteta’s primary target.

However, West Ham have made it clear that they are not going to let their star man leave for cheap and want at least £100m. So, it appears Arsenal will have to break the bank to get any potential deal done for the England international.

Speaking on talkSport, Keown has claimed that it is highly unlikely that Arsenal will be able to purchase Rice this summer as the midfielder would be ‘too expensive’ for the Emirates club.

Keown said:

“I think he’s [Rice] going to be too expensive for Arsenal, quite frankly. It’s a player Arsenal would like but maybe as a free transfer, not with the cost involved. Too much. I don’t think they’ve got the money to do that. Ok, Champions League brings vast revenue, but I don’t see that as a player they can afford to buy.”

Rice to West Ham

Rice has already showcased his talent in the Premier League and on the international stage as well. So, he would certainly be a great coup for Arsenal if they manage to get a deal done for the 24-year-old this summer.

However, it has previously been reported that although the Gunners are ready to break the club’s transfer record – which is £72m – to sign Rice, they are not going to match West Ham’s £100m asking price if they stay firm on their valuation.

It has been reported that along with Rice, Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi are also on Arsenal’s radar. So, Arteta’s side might be forced to shift their focus to alternative targets if they fail to persuade the Hammers to lower their asking price.

So, it is going to be interesting to see who Arsenal will end up signing to reinforce their engine room at the end of this season.