Arsenal said they are facing £120m Chelsea transfer hijacking after board makes key decision

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners face potential of another hijacked transfer from rivals Chelsea in their move to Declan Rice this summer

Arsenal have been told they will face another potential transfer hijacking this summer, similar to the one suffered by Mykhailo Mudryk in January. The Gunners oversaw a replacement of the Ukrainian international and eventually made offers to Shakhtar Donetsk to try and secure a move.

The north London outfit had a figure in mind when it came to hitting a maximum bid, but were ultimately swept away by rivals Chelsea. In a shocking turn of events, the Blues made an £88m offer which was accepted and saw the young winger move to Stamford Bridge.

“I am very proud of the players we have. We always want to try to improve the squad,” Mikel Arteta said after missing out on the transfer target in January. “The club are the first to try to improve the players we have. “Discipline and be consistent in pursuing our goals. We can make players better – that’s what we need to focus on.”

This discipline saw the team miss a few goals, but they also made decisions that saw them return to their competitive best last season. The same mindset should play a role this summer as the Gunners look to close the gap on Manchester City next season.

football.london are aware that Declan Rice is Arsenal’s top priority in the coming weeks as Arteta looks to transform his midfield. However, former striker Alan Smith has hinted the North London club’s board have set a maximum price and could be vulnerable to another hijack.

He told Sky Sports: “West Ham may want £120m [for Declan Rice]. I’m not sure if they get it or not.” He’s a good player, of course he is, great character, he’s young, he has his best years ahead of him. He’s not a winner, he’s just a very good player who would add to your starting squad.”

“No, I really can’t, I have to say, not £120m,” added Smith when asked if he could see the Gunners making such a huge offer. “We saw their negotiating tactics with Mudryk when he was linked to Arsenal and they just wanted to go up to a certain price and then they were eliminated.

“They left him at Chelsea with Mudryk. If anyone else would foolishly offer money for Declan Rice, after I’ve spoken to people on the recruiting side, people on the Arsenal board who have given me an insight into how they work, yes they have a roof and will not be held hostage. They will have a number in mind and if they want to they will reach it, but they will not go any higher.