Declan Rice expects to be an Arsenal player by June ending on wages well in-excess of £200k/week

Declan Rice is expecting to be an Arsenal player by the end of the month, reports the Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel.

The West Ham United midfielder heads off on holiday this week after helping England to a 7-0 victory over North Macedonia last night.

Arsenal saw their first bid of up to £90 million rejected and have verbally indicated their intention to make a second bid.

It could be worth over £100m, and personal terms – well in-excess of £200,000-per-week – will be formally agreed very quickly once both clubs reach a middle ground.

Rice will be one of the Gunners’ highest earners alongside Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey if he completes the much-anticipated move.

However, nothing is guaranteed yet, with Manchester City and other suitors still believed to be in the race.

The Hammers want to trigger an auction for the 24-year-old as they seek to recoup over £100m for him.

The player wants to join Arsenal but the club need to convince West Ham with their next offer.

Landing Rice will be huge for the Gunners as manager Mikel Arteta looks to shake things up in the middle of the park.

Granit Xhaka and Partey have been linked with summer exits, and Arsenal want Rice and Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo as replacements.

Arteta wants more youngsters in his ranks, and his team could soon become formidable if all goes according to plan.

Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title last term and will be keen to do so again next season and going forward.

They will also be aiming to challenge for the Champions League after returning to the competition for the first time since 2017.