Arsenal fear Mykhailo Mudryk repeat with Chelsea ready to make unusual offer for Declan Rice

Arsenal will be extra cautious in their pursuit of Declan Rice this summer, following Mykhailo Mudryk's long-winded transfer saga.

Rice has emerged as Arsenal's priority target, with Mikel Arteta keen to add two midfielders to his ranks at the end of the season.

The West Ham skipper has rejected multiple contract extensions at the Hammers, expressing his desire to play in the Champions League - a feat now guaranteed at the Emirates.

Indeed, the Gunners have surfaced as favourites to land the England international's signature, having prepared an £80 million bid and a five-year contract worth up to £300,000 a week, according to The Sun.

Although the club reportedly have concerns regarding Chelsea's transfer plans, citing Mudryk's last-minute switch to Stamford Bridge in the winter.

Arsenal looked to have a deal for Mudryk all wrapped up in January, only to see the transfer collapse at the last second, with the Ukranian signing for Chelsea instead.

The Sun claim there are fears that history could repeat itself in relation to Rice's prospective move to Arsenal, with Chelsea holding a long-standing interest in the player.

While the 24-year-old is also allegedly on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

And despite Chelsea's need to comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines, the Blues may still have a way of signing Rice this summer.

Chelsea 'prepare' unusual offer for Rice

West Ham have made it clear they will not budge on their asking price, reportedly using Enzo Fernandez's £106m move to Chelsea as a financial benchmark for Rice.

Speaking on the weekend, David Moyes said: “Declan is the best English midfielder around and that is why he is going to be extremely expensive.”

But while Chelsea may struggle to financially compete with the likes of Arsenal due to their significant expenditure this year, they could offer as many as four players in exchange, according to the same report.

The club's failure to qualify for the Champions League will play to Arsenal's advantage. However, Arteta must be prepared for anything after Chelsea hijacked their move for Mudryk.

Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Transfers, Mykhailo Mudryk, Declan Rice, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno