Arsenal chase ‘discount’ on prime transfer target amid race for ‘£40m-rated’ midfielder

Arsenal are now working to prepare for next season after a disappointing end to a strong campaign.

The Gunners put together an unexpected title push this season, leading the Premier League for much of the season, but they tailed off late on and missed out to Manchester City. Arsenal can take plenty of encouragement from their efforts this season, though, and they will believe they can go one better next season, particularly if they can strengthen this summer.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Maddison links

Arsenal are said to be in the mix to sign Leicester City star James Maddison this summer.

According to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham are all interested in snapping up the creative midfielder ahead of next season. The report claims Leicester will command a minimum fee of £40million to sell Maddison this summer despite the midfielder having just a year remaining on his current deal.

Maddison is unlikely to be playing Championship football next season, and £40million seems like an affordable fee for all four of those clubs.

Rice claim

The Gunners are said to want a hefty discount in their bid to land West Ham star Declan Rice this summer.

Rice has been a sensation for the Hammers and England, and he has been linked with a move regularly in the past. Rice may well get his move this summer, but West Ham are not going to make it easy, reportedly asking for a fee as high as £120million. According to The Evening Standard, Arsenal want a £30million discount on that fee.

It’s claimed the Gunners want to sign Rice for £90million, keen not to blow much of their budget - which is reportedly worth more than £200million - on one player.