Rice is Arsenal’s top summer target (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal will not panic buy this month after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk with any money spent this money likely to affect the club’s summer budget and pursuit of Declan Rice.
The Gunners made three bids for the Ukraine international this month only to be beaten to his signature by Chelsea, who wrapped up an £88million deal on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta is still keen to add attacking reinforcements to his squad this month with the club eight points clear a the top of the Premier League and chasing down their first title in 19 years.
Arsenal’s final bid for Mudryk was said to be £62million plus £26m in add-ons, with The Sun reporting the club have concerns that move has effectively shown their hand when it comes to agreeing a deal for an alternative target.
And while club owner Stan Kroenke has made funds available this month, anything spend now will affect Arteta’s summer budget with the club confident of signing West Ham United skipper Rice.
While Arteta would like to add another player, the manager is reportedly confident he has enough cover to ensure their title challenge doesn’t fade in the second-half of the season.
Rice has long been linked with a return to Chelsea where he was part of the academy up until the age of 14. But Arsenal are now the favourites to sign the England international and are believed to be ready to pay a fee of around £75million for the player.
Mudryk was unveiled by Chelsea on Sunday (Picture: Getty)
West Ham however value their skipper at more than £100m and would seek ‘well north’ of that figure, according to the Evening Standard.
The Hammers are expected to sell Rice at the end of the season with the midfielder unwilling to sign a new contract in east London.
Rice has discussed his desire to play in the Champions League with Arsenal on course to qualify for the competition for the first time in six years – possibly as league winners.
Chelsea meanwhile will need to launch a major turnaround if they are to finish in the top four this season, currently sat in 10th place, 10 points behind fourth place and 19 behind Arsenal at the top.
MORE : Chelsea warned Mykhailo Mudryk about Arsenal transfer due to Gabriel Martinelli competition
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January transfer window – FAQs
The Gunners saw their top target sign for Chelsea.
