Arsenal put on Declan Rice ALERT as Real Madrid launch transfer bid

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have been told that they face the possibility of losing Declan Rice as Real Madrid make a move for another Gunners star after previously setting their sights on William Saliba.

The Gunners are set to end the season trophyless, triggering a debate over whether Arteta deserves the opportunity of another campaign in the dugout.

The Spaniard has yet to win silverware after five years at the club, and though Arsenal have made clear progress under the rookie manager, there is a feeling from some critics that he has taken them as far as he can.

Indeed, Jamie Carragher believes that top stars such as Rice could leave should the drought continue.

“I don’t think right now. I think for other players in the team who have been there a little longer,” the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.

“In terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I wouldn’t say he’ll give it another 12 months, but I think those doubts will start to kick in then. It may be a little bit different for someone like a William Saliba, who has been there a little longer.

“They’re very close, but we all know that the final step is the biggest one.”

Real Madrid target surprise David Raya deal

Real Madrid have made it clear that they have an interest in Arsenal’s top players. The Gunners face an assault for Saliba, who is out of contract in 2027, but while they are well placed in this case to stave off Los Blancos, Xabi Alonso’s future club are set to move for another of Arteta’s regulars.

David Raya has emerged as a surprise target for the Bernabeu side, according to The Sun.

It is claimed that while Thibaut Courtois is set to remain as No.1 in the short term, Raya has been earmarked as a long-term replacement.

With the deal for the keeper seen as one that is “difficult to pull off”, Brighton shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen, 22, is seen as a likelier option.

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