MIKEL ARTETA GIVES COY ANSWER AS TO DECLAN RICE QUESTION AS ARSENAL CHASE £100 TRANSFER

Arsenal FC

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been asked about the club’s transfer pursuit of Declan Rice.

The West Ham skipper led the Hammers to the Europa Conference League trophy last month but has since been the subject of speculation over his future. Rice has been identified as a top target for the Gunners as Arteta looks to improve his side and close the gap to Manchester City at the top of the table.

Arsenal recently saw a second bid of £75million, plus £15million in add-ons, rejected and have been joined by Man City in the race for his signature, though Pep Guardiola’s team are yet to submit a formal offer. West Ham are said to be holding out for closer to £100m and have reportedly encouraged the Gunners to make a third bid.

In an in-depth interview with Marca, Arteta was asked for his thoughts about Rice’s valuation but gave a coy response. “I can't talk about players who are not in the club. I prefer not to say anything,” the Arsenal boss replied.

It has been reported the Rice would prefer a move to Arsenal over Man City but is open to joining the recent Champions League winners, if West Ham were to accept a bid. Despite Arteta’s reluctance to talk about the England midfielder, the Gunners boss did give a hint about the club’s interest in Kai Havertz, with the Chelsea forward on the verge of a £65million move.

- Jake Bayliss