By Wayne Veysey

1st Apr, 2023 | 8:00pm

Sources: Arsenal confident of smashing their transfer record

Arsenal are confident of smashing their transfer record as they plot a summer assault on the transfer market, sources have told Football Insider.

Sources told this site on Friday (31 March) that the Gunners have made West Ham star Declan Rice their first-choice midfield target.

It is believed that the Irons will hold out for bids of £100million or more for their star midfielder.

But Arsenal are confident of obliterating their current club record even if a deal for top target Rice cannot be struck.

Mikel Arteta’s side are eyeing multiple top-tier deals which would eclipse the £72million spent on flop Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

In addition to a top-class central midfielder, it is believed that Gunners chiefs are plotting a move for a world-class forward who can slot straight into the starting eleven.

Football Insider revealed on (14 February) that Arsenal have reignited their interest in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez ahead of the summer window.

This site also revealed on Friday (31 March) that the Londoners are considering a bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha after showing interest in the Brazillian last summer.

Arsenal are likely to have an increased pull in the transfer market this summer following their stunning challenge for the Premier League title this term.

The Gunners have built a healthy lead to reigning champions Man City and could enter the off-season as title winners for the first time in 20 years.

Tying their existing stars down to new deals has also emerged as a priority for Arsenal.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli have recently pledged their futures to the club – but official confirmation is yet to arrive on new contracts for star man Bukayo Saka.

William Saliba and Granit Xhaka are also out of contract in June 2024.

In other news, Football Insider updates as Arsenal reach £80m agreement in principle.