Arsenal are set for an expensive summer of spending with two new central midfielders required by manager Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard wants to complete the signing of West Ham and England man Declan Rice but according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a second, improved bid worth a mind-boggling $115m is expected to be rejected by the Hammers.
West Ham are expected to reject 2nd proposal from Arsenal for Declan Rice — £90m total fee, £75m + £15m add ons 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
West Ham believe £15m add-ons are also difficult to achieve.
Hammers still expect Man City to enter the race this week.
Arsenal remain confident. pic.twitter.com/SPSe1afJxf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2023
Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia the new future of Arsenal?
Alongside Rice, Mikel Arteta is also keen on bringing Southampton’s young defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia to the Emirates Stadium with negotiations currently ongoing between the Gunners and the Saints.
Relegated Southampton are hoping to receive a club-record fee for the teenager, who if snapped up this season, would lose the buy-back option in his contract with Premier League champions Manchester City.
Lavia joined the South Coast club last season on a permanent deal after graduating from the City youth academy and the sky blues currently have a first-choice option for the Belgian international. If a move to Arsenal goes through, City would receive a percentage of the transfer fee.
