Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta identified Declan Rice as a priority signing well before the transfer window opened.

The Gunners are close to securing a deal with West Ham United for the England international.

Per London World, Arteta invited Rice to his home to talk to him about the future.

The two discussed how Rice would play in Arteta's system, which was appealing to the West Ham man.

The 24-year-old will sign for a fee that totals £105 million, with almost all of the money guaranteed.

West Ham were hoping to ignite a lengthy bidding war, but Manchester City and Manchester United have not followed up their interest in Rice.