Arsenal are now considered ‘likely’ to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the season.
That’s according to The Guardian, who claim that Rice is ‘almost certain’ to be leaving West Ham this summer.
Arsenal are thought to be the ‘likely’ destination for Rice as Mikel Arteta and co chase a new midfielder.
It’s noted that West Ham have not been able to convince Rice that they are progressing and he is now determined to move on and play at a higher level.
You can hardly blame Rice for being unconvinced right now; West Ham have gone from a Europa League final last term to a relegation battle this season.
Arsenal will be able to offer Champions League football, which is absolutely what Rice is seeking, and they may even be Premier League champions come this summer.
Declan Rice would be great start to the summer for Arsenal
Recent noises have suggested that Arsenal have a great chance of securing Rice.
Football London correspondent Kaya Kaynak told Give Me Sport just a few days ago that Rice is excited by Arsenal’s interest.
The Times even claimed that Arsenal are now confident of snapping up Rice for around £80million this summer, so this latest report just adds weight to the idea of a move.
Manchester United are though to be very interested in Rice and offered £100million for the West Ham star last summer.
West Ham may well face a lower fee than last summer with Rice rejecting new offers to stay in East London.
Even with Casemiro now on board, you would assume United are still keen and Erik ten Hag may fancy utilising Rice alongside the Brazilian.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that United may blow Arsenal out of the water in terms of the wages on offer to Rice.
It sounds like Arsenal is the priority for Rice though and this latest report will leave Gunners fans excited about a summer deal.
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