Arsenal have 'verbal agreement' with Declan Rice as West Ham asking price revealed

The summer transfer window opens for Premier League teams in less than two weeks' time and Arsenal are expected to be one of the busier clubs in the market.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu will be backed with significant funds as they look to build on the success of this season.

While Arsenal will end the campaign without silverware, clear progress has been made during an unexpected title challenge.

Arteta will be desperate to sign several new players to bridge the gap between his side and newly-crowned champions Manchester City.

And top of the wanted list for the Gunners is West Ham captain Declan Rice.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are preparing an £85m bid for the England international, who will lead his side out in the UEFA Conference League final against Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Rice but Arsenal are believed to be in pole position to sign the midfielder.

But a transfer to the Emirates is by no means certain.

Rice's contract at West Ham runs until 2024 but includes the option of an extra 12 months and the London club are said to be holding firm on their £100m asking price, which could potentially rise if other clubs spark a bidding war.

Football Insider claim Rice has already told his friends he will move clubs this summer, with a transfer to Arsenal seemingly on the cards.

Rice's 'verbal agreement' with Arsenal

Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast (Via The Boot Room), The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards claims Rice has 'verbally agreed' to join the Gunners.

However, he claims West Ham could demand as much as £150m for the midfielder, a fee which could prove to be too much for Arsenal.

"Arsenal are supposedly, and have been quite like Real Madrid with Bellingham, they've supposedly got this deal verbally agreed with somebody that he'll come to Arsenal," said Edwards.

"But West Ham are being sensible, they realise he won't sign a new contract and they're trying to maximise what they will get for him.

"I've heard them looking for as much as £150m for him."