Arsenal: Arteta 'directly involved' in 'new talks' with £100m star at Emirates | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been 'directly involved' in fresh talks to land Declan Rice and the West Ham United star 'wants' to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium, journalist Rudy Galetti has told GiveMeSport.

The Gunners signed Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho last month, but further reinforcements could be drafted in when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

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Arsenal transfer news - Declan Rice

According to The Times, Arsenal have earmarked Rice as their top target ahead of next season and the north Londoners are growing in confidence that they can win the race for his signature.

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The report suggests the Gunners' status as the Premier League's table-toppers has resulted in there being optimism that they can see off competition from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United are also in the hunt for Rice's services, but West Ham boss David Moyes has insisted a switch will only be sanctioned for more than the British record Chelsea broke when they signed Enzo Fernandez in a £107million deal last week.

Despite that, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Hammers could be open to selling their captain for in the region of £100million.

Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Rice is 'seriously wanted' by Arsenal and the central midfielder will decide on his destination after taking the pay package on offer and role within the squad into consideration.

What has Rudy Galetti said about Rice?

Galetti is aware that Arsenal have been in touch with West Ham over a move for Rice, having already held preliminary talks, and Arteta has been involved in the latest discussions.

The Italian journalist understands the England international wants to seal a big-money move to north London.

Galetti told GiveMeSport: "Declan Rice, for sure, remains a priority for Arsenal in the summer.

"There are some updates because the Gunners have the West Ham midfielder in their sights and first contact to collect preliminary information already happened.

"During January, there were new contacts in which Arteta was directly involved. No personal terms have been under discussion with the entourage of Declan Rice, but Arsenal understood that the player wants to join them."

What would Rice add to Arsenal's midfield?

According to FBref, Rice has a better pass completion rate than current Arsenal duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, while he has also averaged more blocks and interceptions per 90 minutes this season.

Those statistics emphasise that the 24-year-old, who has made 27 appearances since the campaign got underway, could be an upgrade on Arteta's current options in the heart of midfield.

Sofascore data shows Rice has averaged 2.3 tackles per domestic outing this season, but his capabilities in the final third of the pitch should not be overlooked.

That is because, since his senior debut, the West Ham skipper has found the back of the net 11 times and chalked up a further 12 assists.

Joshua Mbu, would be an exciting addition to Arsenal's squad.