Arsenal target spotted at event with Edu and Kroenke amid summer transfer speculation

While Arsenal recovers from the shock of their humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, work is being done behind the scenes to ensure that this season’s title push is not a one-off.

Arsenal were hammered 4-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday night, thus ending their Premier League title chances.

Mikel Arteta’s side is now only two points ahead of City, despite having played two games more than their nearest rivals.

The Gunners have led the league for the duration of the season, and falling short in the closing months will be a significant disappointment.

Arteta is likely to get big sums during the summer transfer window in order to capitalize on the club’s achievements this season and ensure the club is once again in contention for honours next year.

Arteta’s main transfer objective is to recruit at least one new midfielder, with West Ham captain Declan Rice the club’s top target.

rice discovered in the Emirates

Rice was sighted at the Emirates earlier this week, watching the FA Youth Cup final between Arsenal and West Ham, which resulted in a decisive 5-1 triumph for the Hammers.

Rice was reportedly in the directors’ box with former teammate Mark Noble, who is now West Ham’s sporting director, according to the Telegraph.

Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, and Josh Kroenke, the club’s co-chairman, were also present.

While it is unclear whether Rice spoke with Edu or Kroenke, the fact that they were all present at the game has fueled speculation that the West Ham captain could join the Emirates this summer.

Rice has a contract with West Ham until 2024 and has turned down a better long-term agreement at the London Stadium.

Chelsea are also said to be interested in the midfielder, who played for the west London club as a young player.

Rice has previously voiced his respect for Arsenal and Arteta’s style of play.

“They are a fantastic team.” “You can see they are coached incredibly well, they have a lot of attacking talent, they are a young squad, and they can go all the way,” Rice stated after facing the Gunners earlier this season.

To get the England international, Arsenal may have to break their transfer record, with West Ham expected to demand at least £80 million.