Eagle-eyed Arsenal fans believe they have spotted proof that Declan Rice is Arsenal’s no.1 summer transfer target during the European qualifier against Ukraine, through the form of a conversation between current Gunner Oleksandr Zinchenko and the Englishman.
The two nations met at Wembley on Sunday in a bid to reach EURO2024, where strikes from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka saw the Three Lions run out comfortable 2-0 winners on the night and take themselves to six points from six over the international break.
But it was the aftermath of the clash that particularly caught the attention of Arsenal fans.
After the game, Zinchenko briefly embraced with Rice, in which the Gunners faithful believe he asked “You joining, yeah” in reference to a potential summer move to north London.
While Rice’s response is unclear, many have taken the subsequent thump on his chest from the Ukrainian to suggest that the Englishman didn’t provide a negative answer.
Rice is reportedly desperate to move on this summer, but will be the target of plenty of clubs amid interest not only from Arsenal, but Chelsea as well.
Meanwhile, David Moyes has claimed that should he leave, it would have to be for a record sum, suggesting in February that a move for the 24-year-old would have to ‘blow’ the British transfer record ‘out of the water’.
Former Gunner Jack Wilshere has revealed that he is desperate for Rice, who he shared a dressing room with at West Ham, to make the switch to north London.
“Anyone who supports any club would want Dec to join”, he told the Islington Gazette.
“If I’m talking from a selfish point of view, in north London, I think he would be very good under Mikel’s watch.
“Mikel would develop him, bring him on even more and he would be massive for the team as well. I have had conversations with Dec and told him what he is doing in unbelievable, he is captain of a big Premier League club and is always learning.
“I’m looking forward to wherever he goes. I hope it is Arsenal, it would be a massive signing and a perfect fit.”
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