Key Arsenal target now 'likely' to join club this summer as Arteta eyes major signing

Arsenal are 'likely' to sign a key Premier League midfielder this summer according to a recent report.

Mikel Arteta is already targeting players to sign in the summer as the Gunners continue to battle for their first Premier League title in 19 years.

Midfield is a key area that the Spanish manager wants to improve as evident during the January transfer window when the club tried to sign Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

They had several bids turned down and instead captured Jorginho from rivals Chelsea for just £12m.

Now, a recent report in The Guardian has revealed that the Gunners are 'likely' to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer.

He's unconvinced about the Hammers' future progression with the club's signings last summer yet to provide great value.

It was revealed back in January that he would be one of their main targets in the summer and that they would be prepared to break their transfer record for him.

With West Ham in danger of relegation, Rice will likely be available for much less than in previous seasons when they were qualifying for Europe.

The perfect signing for Arteta

The Hammers' struggles compared to Brighton's successes this season also mean that Rice will offer greater value for money than Caicedo.

He would be the perfect signing for Arteta adding great competition to an Arsenal squad that needs more depth if they are to continue to challenge on all fronts next season.

The Gunners face a difficult trip to Fulham on Sunday and will be hoping for a victory which will keep the gap to Manchester City at five points.

Next month the two challengers face off at the Etihad Stadium which is a game that will be seen by many as a title decider.

Whilst Rice won't be able to help them this season, Arsenal fans will be pleased to know that the club aren't going to waste any time and risk allowing someone else to sign him.