Arsenal have a genius plan to ensure they win the race for West Ham star Declan Rice and it involves Chelsea.
As the world and its wife knows by now, Declan Rice is likely to leave West Ham this summer with Arsenal said to be the frontrunners for his signature.
But with Bayern Munich, Man United, Man City and Rice’s boyhood club Chelsea also heavily linked, Arsenal by no means have a free run at the Hammers captain.
Last week a top journalist claimed West Ham could imminently accept a low-ball offer for Rice from the Gunners on one condition.
Until their recent drastic decline, big-spending Chelsea were always viewed as Rice’s most likely destination when he leaves West Ham.
In fact West Ham co-owner David Sullivan spoke to Hammers News to deny secret talks with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly over a deal for Rice earlier this season.
Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football is seen as deal-breaking if they have any hopes of signing Rice from West Ham.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have emerged as the biggest challengers to Man City and are planning a big summer spend according to reports.
Now Arsenal have a genius plan to ensure they win the race for West Ham star Rice and it involves Chelsea.
Because according to Sky Sports transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Arsenal want to bring Rice’s best friend Mason Mount to the Emirates with him.
“Arsenal plan to be very busy in the transfer market and they also plan to be very ambitious,” Sheth said on Sky Sports.
“Midfield appears to be one of the big priorities…
“We understand there’s an interest in the Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan as well as the Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.”
With Granit Xhaka expected to leave Arsenal and Thomas Partey coming up short when it mattered most, it is hardly surprising Arteta wants to make big improvements in midfield.
The Gunners are also too reliant on star man Martin Odegaard.
Pairing Rice with his best friend and former Chelsea academy teammate Mount is a genius tactic from Arsenal.
Especially with the rival interest in West Ham’s beloved 24-year-old skipper. And it could prove decisive.
Especially as Mount has a very uncertain future at Stamford Bridge where Mauricio Pochettino must trim his squad down drastically this summer.
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