“Mikel Arteta to personally lead talks with Declan Rice for Arsenal transfer”

According to reports, Mikel Arteta is planning to lead Arsenal’s charge to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and believes he can convince him to join the Gunners. Rice, who wants to play Champions League football, has been made Arteta’s top pick to bolster Arsenal’s midfield due to his technical ability and strength. The 24-year-old will be out of contract next summer, although there is an option of another year, and has rejected attempts at an extension. Arteta reportedly wants to hold talks with Rice as soon as the season ends and believes he can help convince the £100 million-rated player to join Arsenal. He will also urge the club to make an official approach once the season has ended to try to tee up a huge transfer when the window opens for summer business. West Ham are looking at Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow as a potential replacement for Rice. Meanwhile, Arteta is reportedly reconsidering Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy following last week’s defeat at Manchester City and is exploring ways to finance moves for two more defenders and possibly another winger.