Arsenal are reportedly using a ‘secret agent’ to help them land West Ham midfielder Declan Rice ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in a stunning summer transfer.
The Gunners are said to be keen on signing the 21-year-old, who has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season.
Rice has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium for some time, with Chelsea and Manchester United both reportedly interested in the England international.
However, according to reports, Arsenal are now in pole position to sign Rice, with the club said to be using a ‘secret agent’ to help them secure the deal.
The agent in question is believed to be Kia Joorabchian, who has close ties to Arsenal and has been involved in a number of high-profile transfers in recent years.
Joorabchian is said to have been working on a deal for Rice for some time, and is now said to be close to securing a move for the midfielder.
It is believed that Arsenal are willing to pay around £50 million for Rice, which would make him the club’s most expensive signing since Mesut Ozil in 2013.
Rice is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates, and the club are now said to be confident of getting the deal over the line.
The move would be a major coup for Arsenal, who have been struggling to compete with their rivals in the transfer market in recent years.
Rice is one of the most highly-rated young players in the Premier League, and his signing would be a major statement of intent from the Gunners.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal can get the deal done, but if they do, it could be one of the most significant transfers of the summer.