Arsenal ‘ready to make SHOCK offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice’

Mikel Arteta has reportedly given Arsenal the green light to make a shock offer for Declan Rice in the summer.

The West Ham captain has been a talisman for the Hammers since his debut in 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders.

Rice has similarly shone for England, playing a key role in their run to the Euro 2020 final while also impressing at the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen for the club to sign Declan Rice

And according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal boss Arteta is reportedly keen on bringing the midfielder to the club ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Rice is valued at £88million, according to the report, but Hammers boss David Moyes previously said it would take money from the Bank of England to persuade West Ham to sell Rice and last year he also claimed that it would now take money from the Bank of Scotland in addition to that.

His contract expires at the end of next season, while he has previously hinted at his desire to test himself in the Champions League, meaning a move could materialize in the near future – and Sportsmail previously revealed that West Ham had internally accepted that Rice probably left the club in the summer.

Arteta has reportedly given his support for a shock move for the England and West Ham star

Chelsea, where Rice spent time at the academy until his sacking aged 14, are also reportedly keen on the defensive midfielder – and they have previously tried to bring him back to Stamford Bridge – as have Manchester United and Manchester City credited with interest.

Rice would be considered one of the Gunners’ top signings in a position where they lack strength at depth.

A move for the 23-year-old would also fit in with his strategy of signing players whose contracts are expiring.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been in superb form for the Premier League leaders this season but lack depth in midfield.

Rice has impressed during his 39 caps for England and has interest from several top clubs

Mohamed Elneny has proved a solid backup option but he has struggled with injuries this season, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has been flattered to deceive since joining the club in 2021.

Rice has made 217 appearances for West Ham in total and has been a key figure in improvements over the past few years under Moyes, which included last season’s memorable run to the Europa League semi-finals.

This year has been more difficult for the Hammers, with Moyes’ side sitting 17th – and just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.