Declan Rice gives Mikel Arteta his word ahead of a summer move

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Declan Rice has a verbal agreement in place to join Arsenal this summer which remains his preferred destination, despite interest from Bayern Munich.

Declan Rice preferred move this summer is to Arsenal with the player verbally agreeing to join the Gunners ahead of next season, as long as the two clubs can agree on a fee. The West Ham captain has given his word to Mikel Arteta.

West Ham have previously stated they want a fee upwards of £100million if they are to sell their captain this summer. However the feeling is a bid just below £100million, plus add-ons will be enough to get the deal over the line. Declan Rice is ready to leave the Hammers as he wants to challenge for the biggest trophies in the country, as well as playing in the Champions League which Arsenal can offer him.

Arsenal have a £90million bid ready which will be submitted as soon as West Ham have played in the Europa Conference League final on the 7th June. The North London outfit are confident they will get their number one this summer, despite interest from Bayern Munich & Manchester United.

READ MORE: Two Hale End graduates set to leave Arsenal this summer.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bring the 24-year old Englishman to the Emirates this summer, and is set to open talks with West Ham in the coming days ahead of an initial bid to be submitted shortly. It is expected that Arsenal will be granted major funds from the board this summer and Rice remains the top priority for the Gunners.

The Kroenke’s are ready to back Arsenal in order to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title again next season, as well as competing in the Champions League for the first time in seven years. Mikel Arteta is determined to bring in more quality in depth to his squad to prevent the same shortcomings happening next season.

With Granit Xhaka on his way out, Declan Rice is seen as the first priority for Arsenal during the upcoming transfer window with the Gunners set to have one of their biggest windows in the clubs history.

It is reported that Arsenal will offer Declan Rice a contract worth in the region of £250,000-per-week, which will make him one of the highest paid players at the Emirates Stadium.

NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta puts Granit Xhaka transfer on hold.