Arsenal news as a Declan Rice revelation is made and key contract talks progress
Declan Rice
Declan Rice was wanted by another Premier League big gun(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal's increasingly fragile grip on top spot will be tested by Saturday night's trip to Everton. With injuries beginning to take their toll, the Gunners have struggled in recent weeks, losing at Aston Villa and then scraping a home win over lowly Wolves thanks to a pair of own goals.
Mikel Arteta's side now need to win at the Toffees' new Hill Dickinson Stadium to ensure they stay top of the Premier League tree for Christmas. Anything less than three points will open the door to Manchester City, who host West Ham this weekend.
Thoughts have also turned to the January transfer window, when the Gunners could be active as they look to ensure the squad has the depth to challenge on multiple fronts over the second half of the season. Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest Gunners news…
Saka contract breakthrough
Talks between Arsenal and Bukayo Saka over a new contract have reportedly entered the final straight. The Starboy still has 18 months left on his current deal, but given his importance to the club, talks have been ongoing for some time.
According to TeamTalk, negotiations have gone smoothly, with only minor details left to finalise on a new deal that would keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2031, on wages of around £300,000 per week.
A source said: "Things are going well, talks have gone smoothly and it is understood that Bukayo is ready to sign." The news would be the perfect early Christmas present for Gunners.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka's contract talks are progressing
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Man Utd boss wanted Rice
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to sign three big names when he was in charge of Manchester United, including Declan Rice, it has emerged. The others were Erling Haaland, then playing for Molde in Norway, and Jude Bellingham, then of Birmingham City, reports the Daily Mail.
Rice was a West Ham player at the time and would have added steel to a United side that, while struggling to compete with Manchester City, was still qualifying for the Champions League, a far cry from today's side, which is mired in mid-table.
Declan Rice during Arsenal vs Brentford
Rice was on a star-studded list(Image: Getty Images)
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While Haaland and Bellingham signed for Borussia Dortmund, Rice stayed with the Hammers for a few more seasons, helping them to Europa Conference League glory in 2023 before joining Arsenal, where he has become a key player and one of the team's leaders.
United instead ended up signing Donny van de Beek, who proved to be a massive flop, while Jadon Sancho arrived and Cristiano Ronaldo returned for his ill-fated second spell at Old Trafford. Needless to say, United's loss was Arsenal's gain.
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