28 June 2023 , 09:05
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Arsenal's summer transfer window has gotten off to a stellar start with the signing of Kai Havertz all but confirmed, but it is Declan Rice who they want more than any other.
The West Ham captain is currently the subject of a bidding war between the Gunners and Manchester City, with the most recent offer submitted by Mikel Arteta's men late on Tuesday evening. That was Arsenal's third bid and thought to have been worth a British record fee of £100million plus £5m in add-ons.
It looks as if that could be enough to get a deal over the line, though Arsenal need to readjust the structure of the deal to suit West Ham's demands before they can really start to imagine Rice at the Emirates.
There is also the mounting fear from Arsenal's end that City could submit another bid, matching or bettering the one the Gunners sent on Tuesday which many feel is the absolute most they can offer.
Initial reports suggested that Rice had his heart set on Arsenal, but more recent speculation has claimed the England international could have his head turned by a move to the Etihad.
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In the end, the whole switch could boil down to Rice's personal preference and this is where Arteta's stance on such a situation makes for interesting reading.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Where will Rice play his football next season? Comment below
Arsenal have submitted a third bid for Declan Rice worth £100m plus £5m in add-ons (Getty Images)Speaking to Arsenal legend Ian Wright in 2020, Arteta made clear that too much hesitation from a player he wants to purchase is a bad sign.
"The moment we mention Arsenal, Ian you know what it means around the world," Arteta said. "Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are.
"It doesn't need much convincing and if they do, for me it's not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? (he grimaces) It holds me back a little bit.
"It has to be 'what do we have to do? I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values the style of play that I want'. That's the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start.
"And the same with the players that are here. Once you finish what are the feelings you have towards the club? That's what really interests me."
Arsenal want Rice desperately, but if that level of desire is not reciprocated, there could be trouble ahead if Arteta's comments are anything to go by.