Arteta 'directly involved' in talks for summer target with club 'resigned' to losing the player

Mikel Arteta is “directly involved” in talks for Arsenal's primary summer target Declan Rice, according to a fresh report.

Despite a surprise 1-0 defeat to Everton last weekend, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, some five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City.

This term the Gunners have sharpened their focus on winning their first league title since 2004.

Yet Arteta, sporting director Edu Gaspar and the club’s hierarchy also have one eye on the future. Arsenal already appear to be lining up their summer transfer business, with West Ham’s Rice believed to be a priority target.

The 24-year-old enters the final 12 months of his West Ham deal in the summer and has been tipped to leave the Hammers, having rejected several contract extensions.

Arteta ‘directly involved’ in Rice talks

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Arsenal made contact with West Ham back in January to gather preliminary information about Rice.

Indeed, Arteta is said to have been “directly involved” in the discussions for the England international.

Galetti told GiveMeSport: "Declan Rice, for sure, remains a priority for Arsenal in the summer.

“There are some updates because the Gunners have the West Ham midfielder in their sights and first contact to collect preliminary information already happened.

"During January, there were new contacts in which Arteta was directly involved.

“No personal terms have been under discussion with the entourage of Declan Rice, but Arsenal understood that the player wants to join them."

West Ham boss David Moyes insisted in January that Rice would only be sold for a fee that surpasses the British record £107million Chelsea paid to sign Enzo Fernandez.

However, the Hammers are said to be “resigned” to losing their academy graduate.

CBS’ Ben Jacobs said: “West Ham [are] pretty resigned to losing Declan Rice this summer.

“Rice said at the World Cup he was envious of England teammates playing [in the Champions League]. Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal & Chelsea, will try to sign him.”