Arsenal linked with a shock bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly given the green light for the Gunners to make a shock bid for Declan Rice in the summer. 

The West Ham captain has been a talisman for the Hammers ever since making his debut in 2017 and is widely-regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Rice has similarly shone for England and played a key role in their run to the Euro 2020 final while he also impressed during the recent World Cup in Qatar.

And, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal boss Arteta is reportedly keen on bringing the midfielder to the club ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Rice is valued at £88m according to the report, but Hammers boss David Moyes previously said it would take Bank of England money to convince West Ham to sell Rice and then last year he also claimed it would now take Bank of Scotland money on top of that.

His contract is up at the end of next season, while he has previously hinted at his desire to test himself in the Champions League, meaning a move could materialise in the near future – and Sportsmail previously that West Ham had accepted internally that Rice is likely to leave the club in the summer.

Arteta has reportedly given his backing for a shock move for the England and West Ham star

Chelsea, where Rice spent time in the academy until being released at the age of 14, are also reportedly keen on the defensive midfielder – and they have previously made attempts to bring him back to Stamford Bridge – while Manchester United and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest.

Rice would be seen as one of the Gunners’ top signings in a position where they lack some strength in depth.

A move for the 23-year-old would also tie in with their strategy of signing players who’s contracts are winding down. 

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been in…