Arsenal ‘preparing opening proposal’ for Declan Rice.. but won’t kick start transfer talks yet for incredible reason

ARSENAL have prepared their opening proposal for Declan Rice but will not start negotiations just yet, according to reports.

Rice, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer.

The West Ham skipper has been earmarked for a £100million transfer.

With reports suggesting Arsenal have a summer war chest of £200m, it is a fee they could afford.

And according to , the Gunners are preparing their opening salvo as they seek to land the England International.

However, talks between the two parties will not begin until June at the earliest.

Romano has revealed Arsenal will hold off on initiating talks until June at least.

The reason for this is to "respect" West Ham.

The Hammers' victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday means they must now prepare for the Europa Conference League final - the club's first European final in 47 years.

Mikel Arteta and Co will be hoping this patience will be rewarded with smoother negotiations when the two clubs sit down to discuss a deal.

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Arsenal could land two midfielders in the summer, depending on departures.

Granit Xhaka is set to depart the club for a move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer, leaving the North London outfit needing to find a replacement as well.

Moises Caicedo is another star who Arsenal have an interest in.

They previously saw two bids for the Ecuador star rejected by Brighton in January, though Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi has hinted they are resigned to losing Caicedo this summer.