Arsenal could sell Granit Xhaka to help generate funds for the signing of West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, according to reports.
The Gunners are leading the heated race for the England international but may be forced to sell more than one player to facilitate their transfer business.
Xhaka has been vital for Arsenal this season, who sit in second place in the Premier League table. But, it seems a departure could be on the cards.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Xhaka’s former club Bayer Leverkusen are very interested in re-signing him this summer. However, up until now, it was unclear whether Arteta would sanction a sale.
This season, the Switzerland international has made 35 league appearances. In the process, he has scored five goals and made seven assists.
Xhaka’s role has been transformed by Arteta, who has developed the 30-year-old into more of an attacking threat.
Nevertheless, it seems Xhaka’s time at the Emirates could come to an abrupt end, despite his solid form.
Arsenal eye £90m Rice deal
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, Xhaka is one of several players that could be sold by Arsenal this summer, as they look to facilitate a move for Rice.
They claim ‘a number of fringe players’ will be offloaded. Rice won’t be the only player the Gunners look to bring in, but, he is top of Arteta’s shortlist.
As per the report, Arsenal are ‘willing’ to break their transfer record for the West Ham star – which is currently at £72million for the signing of Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
However, they are only willing to spend £90m on Rice, rather than the Hammers’ price tag of £100m.
Although, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and others have the England international on their radar. So, Arsenal may still be forced into paying his full valuation.
The Daily Mail state that Arsenal will offer Rice a wage package that could see his potential earnings reach £300,000-a-week – a five-fold increase on his current salary of £60,000-per-week.
Interestingly, this would make the West Ham captain Arsenal’s new top earner. Bukayo Saka’s pending new contract, which is ‘close’ to being announced, will also be for £300,000-a-week.
As mentioned, though, Rice isn’t the only player Arteta wants to sign this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi also on their radar.
With that in mind, it looks like it’s going to be a very interesting summer for Arsenal fans.
