Arsenal handed Declan Rice boost while Folarin Balogun makes key transfer decision

Here is the latest Arsenal transfer news and gossip on Saturday, April 15.

Declan Rice 'raving' about Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is thought to be in the market for midfield recruits this summer, and West Ham midfielder Rice has emerged as his priority target.

Although he is expected to be the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, fresh reports may have given Arsenal the upper hand.

Journalist Miguel Delaney claimed that Rice 'admires' the way Arsenal play, and enjoys watching them play with his teammates.

Delaney told the Independent: "Rice is meanwhile said to be a particular admirer of how Arsenal play, seeing that as one of the best approaches in European football right now.

"He has raved about them while watching them with the rest of the West Ham squad. That would make any signing all the more ideal, especially as opportunities are limited elsewhere."

Folarin Balogun makes key transfer decision

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has made headlines all season following his prolific spell on loan at Reims, notching 19 league goals for the French club.

At the tender age of just 21, Balogun has amassed interest from all over Europe, as he weighs up his future in north London.

It is thought he will return to the Emirates at the end of the season where a decision will be made over the next step in his career, with the England Under-21 international against another loan move.

However, Balogun looks to have made up his mind already, with his verdict hinging on one key component.

Football Insider report that Balogun does not want to return to Arsenal next season unless he is 'guaranteed first-team minutes', a feat which could prove difficult when bearing in mind the presence of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal and Tottenham tracking Nathan Wood

Swansea City centre-back Nathan Wood has allegedly caught the eye of the Gunners and bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The England Under-21 international, who only joined the Championship side last summer could be set for a top flight move, with both corners of north London said to be 'monitoring' the player's progress.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Understand Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring his performances closely."

"Swansea looking to try and extend his contract to prevent summer move."

Arteta hints at William Saliba return

Finally, the Arsenal boss offered an update on William Saliba's return from injury, suggesting he could be fit in time to face Manchester City on April 26.

The 21-year-old limped off against Sporting Lisbon during Arsenal's Europa League defeat with a back problem in March, and has not featured for the Gunners since.

While Arteta confirmed that Saliba will not be available for Arsenal's match against West Ham on the weekend, the Spaniard placed a rough timeframe on his recovery.

“He is progressing well and we are hopeful we are going to have him available in the next few weeks," Arteta said.