A change in the backup line? The Gunners would like to bring in the West Ham captain, with Xhaka on his way out

Arsenal had a great season. For many months, they have been in contention with a star-studded Manchester City for the Premier League winners’ trophy. However, a tough draw at the end of the season meant a series of poor results for Mikel Arteta’s team, ending Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title after almost twenty years. Still, Arteta has done a tremendous job with the team and there is already speculation among sports journalists about who could strengthen the London club in the summer.

Fabrizio Romano, a journalist who specialises mainly in transfer news, has come up with the freshest speculation so far. He stated that the Canaries would like to strengthen their midfield. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to leave the club. For him, they would like to bring in a very sound reinforcement who knows the London environment very well.

That reinforcement would be none other than West Ham captain and England international Declan Rice, who has been linked with a move to a bigger club for some time now. However, signing this player could cost Arsenal’s coffers a hefty sum of money.

According to Transfermarkt, Rice is worth eighty million euros. However, one could expect West Ham to ask for well over a hundred million euros for their captain.

However, the English midfielder should be the number one transfer priority according to Roman, as Arsenal would like to rebuild their midfield.

As for Xhaka, according to the Italian journalist, he should become a teammate of Czech national team players Patrik Schick and Adam Hložek. According to Roman, the Swiss international will join Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million, with whom he has already agreed personal terms. Xhaka is expected to sign a four-year contract.

Arsenal only have one last game of the season left to play. In the final round, they will play Wolves on their home ground. Regardless of the result, the Gunners will finish in second place, which will ensure their participation in the Champions League next season.

However, Arsenal fans will have to wait and see if Declane Rice will be playing for Arsenal in the millionaire competition.

Source: Fabrizio Romano, Transfermarkt