Arsenal Transfers: German giants making move for Gunners’ priority target

Arsenal have identified West Ham captain Declan Rice as their priority midfield target this summer, but they have a battle on their hands if they’re to secure his signature.

While the Gunners are believed to be the leading contenders at this stage, interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has complicated matters.

Rice is set to leave West Ham this summer, but the England international’s 2022/23 campaign is not yet in the books with the Hammers competing in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next Wednesday.

Thus, it’s unlikely that any decision regarding his future will not be made until after the Irons’ big day out, with Rice himself labelling any current transfer talk as mere “noise and speculation”.

German giants making move for Gunners’ priority target

Transfer talk surrounding Rice has been rife for weeks, and such rumours will only intensify after the Conference League final. Arsenal remain hopeful of striking a deal, but West Ham will not let their star man go cheap. Plus, interest from elsewhere could drive up the 24-year-old’s price.

Several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, are also keen on signing the midfielder, and Bayern’s entry into the race will undoubtedly concern Arsenal.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Die Roten are willing to spend a huge amount (€100m) to bring Rice to Bavaria this summer amid rumours of Joshua Kimmich’s potential departure. Such a transfer would contrast the German behemoth’s usual transfer policy, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them emerge as a more aggressive force in the market as they attempt to re-assert themselves as Europe’s top dog.

Other reports in Germany suggest Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has already spoken to Rice about a potential move, and while there’s confidence the perpetual Bundesliga champions could afford the move, there’s certainly no guarantee that West Ham would sell for less than €100m.

Thus, there’s a possibility, despite their determination to sign him, that Bayern are priced out of a move if the Hammers insist on a fee closer to €120m. However, it’s unlikely that Arsenal would be willing to spend that much on the 24-year-old either.

The Gunners are expected to bid for Rice in the coming weeks.