Arsenal have been heavily linked with Declan Rice in recent months.
The Gunners are reportedly eager to bring the West Ham United captain to the Emirates in the summer.
Meanwhile, Rice appears keen on making the move to the current Premier League leaders too.
The Independent recently claimed that there have already been back-channel overtures.
Arsenal apparently see personal terms between themselves and Rice as easy to sort.
Indeed, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly already planning for the 2023-24 campaign with Rice in mind.
Dean Jones has now provided an update involving the Gunners and the England international on GiveMeSport.
He reiterated that Rice is “very interested” in joining Arsenal, and noted the “relationship building” he has made so far.
Jones was referring to the conversation Rice had with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta at the end of the 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.
“He’s very interested in joining Arsenal,” said the transfer insider.
“Chats with the manager and the captain are good PR for him.
“And it’s good for him to start relationship building ahead of the talks that will happen in the summer.”
Our view
The saga between Arsenal and Rice looks set to get plentiful coverage during the summer months.
Hopefully the Gunners and the Hammers can come to a quick consensus during negotiations over a fee.
The rest should, in theory, be more straightforward. Rice really seems eager to link up with Arsenal.
However, with West Ham reportedly wanting £100million or more for their captain, negotiations could go on for a while.
If Arsenal do manage to land Rice, they’d be getting a real game-changer of a player.
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