Transfer: Arsenal identifies new player as Declan Rice’s partner in midfield

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to partner Declan Rice in their midfield next season, according to Defensa Central.

Arsenal has already signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea and is set to add Rice from West Ham United and Jurrien Timber from Ajax to bolster their squad.

The Gunners are preparing a bid between £68m and £77m to submit to Real Madrid for Tchouameni’s signature.

Real Madrid signed Tchouameni last June from AS Monaco for a reported fee of €80 million, which could rise to €100 million.

Tchouameni joined Real Madrid from AS Monaco on a six-year deal last year.

The 23-year-old has reportedly failed to impress Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The France international made 50 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, providing four assists, as he was expected to do a lot more based on his reported fee of €80 million, which could rise to €100 million.