Arsenal set to shatter transfer record to beat Man Utd to Declan Rice – smashing the £72m spent on flop Nicolas Pepe

ARSENAL are reportedly set to open talks with West Ham over a move for Declan Rice – and they are willing to smash their transfer record.

The Gunners’ record signing is still Nicolas Pepe, who arrived for £72million in 2019.

But Arsenal are set for another summer of big spending after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.

And top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist is Hammers captain Declan Rice.

The midfielder is being eyed by Manchester United and Manchester City but Arsenal are prepared to splash £90m to bring him to North London, report the .

West Ham have set Rice’s asking price at £100m, despite the England international’s contract expiring next year.

However Arsenal appear reluctant to match that valuation, though would be prepared to offer Rice a deal worth £300,000 a week.

Bukayo Saka is also set to earn £300,000-a-week after agreeing terms on a new deal which is set to be announced soon.

It is believed there will be changes to the club’s wage structure as Edu and co. look to attract players who can help Arsenal push on once again.

And the Gunners are also prepared to sell players to raise funds, including midfield maestro Granit Xhaka who was also tipped to move last summer.

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Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen are said to be eyeing the Swiss and Arsenal could let him go for around £15m.

As well as Rice, Arsenal are believed to be plotting moves for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi and Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.