It is believed Arsenal will have to fight for interest from Manchester United in their quest to sign Declan Rice.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping to add quality to his squad in the summer after watching his side throw away their lead at the top of the Premier League in the final weeks of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are ready to open talks with West Ham over a £90 million swoop for their captain Declan Rice.
Rice, 24, is believed to be the Gunners’ priority target this summer and a £90m deal would see them break their transfer record. Arsenal’s current record belongs to £72m flop Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
This comes days after The Guardian suggested Manchester United would rival Arsenal for Rice’s signature, while noting that Arsenal were still regarded as the England midfielder’s likeliest destination. The
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail also understands Arsenal will loosen constraints on their wage bill to ensure they can sign players to maintain their status as ‘title contenders’, even though it always felt like Man City would catch them this term.
This could see Rice’s potential earnings exceed £300,000-per-week at Arsenal, which is a £200k increase on what he currently picks up every week at West Ham.
As far as United are concerned, Erik ten Hag needs funds this summer in order to plan big signings and that is an impossible ask while doubts remain over the takeover.
One thing we know for certain is that the Glazers won’t fund the signings Ten Hag needs in the summer.
Get the most important Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
