Keown claims Arteta's top target is 'too expensive' for Arsenal and Liverpool

Martin Keown fears Declan Rice is ‘too expensive’ for Arsenal and says even Liverpool will struggle to raise the funds to sign the West Ham midfielder this summer.

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Rice is expected to leave West Ham at the end of the season after rejecting multiple offers to extend his stay in east London.

The 24-year-old, who has been a key player for England at the last two major tournaments, is attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

But Keown believes two of those clubs – Arsenal and Liverpool – will be priced out of a move for Rice, who West Ham value at up to £100m.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new midfielder this summer and failed with multiple bids for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo in January.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is also on the lookout for midfield reinforcements and could focus his attentions on Rice with another target – Jude Bellingham – reportedly closing in on a move to Real Madrid.

‘I think Declan Rice is going to be too expensive for Arsenal, quite frankly,’ Keown told talkSPORT. ‘I think he will be too expensive for Liverpool as well who have been in the Champions League now for a number of years.

‘There’s still three to go but the significance of the three points is massive. We had our eye on this game as one we could win in front of the home fans.

‘Today, the lads gave absolutely everything and it was a thoroughly deserved win.’

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