Arsenal have ‘advantage’ over Chelsea in transfer race for West Ham captain Declan Rice

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Arsenal have the edge over Chelsea in the race to seal a transfer with West Ham United for Declan Rice. The London rivals are set to duel for his signature over the next summer sales.

That is according to Ben Jacobs, who reports it is ‘advantage Arsenal’ in their tussle against Chelsea to sign Rice. The Gunners currently edge the Blues for the England anchor as Mikel Arteta can offer the 24-year-old a more stable project than Graham Potter would present.

Arsenal should also have a further arrow in their quiver as Arteta is on course to book their return to the Champions League. The north London team has not played in UEFA’s premier club competition since 2016/17. Yet they top the Premier League table through 27 fixtures.

Arsenal have an ‘advantage’ over Chelsea in the race for Declan Rice’s transfer

And while Arsenal are 18 points clear of fourth place in the Premier League table, Chelsea are 11 points behind. The Blues only sit in 10th place through 26 games having won just 10 times this term. They have further only won seven of 20 since hiring Potter last September.

Arteta’s successes in charge of Arsenal this season will now give them the short-term edge over Chelsea for Rice’s transfer. But a move from the London Stadium to Emirates Stadium will still hinge on West Ham’s asking price. So the Blues are not yet fully out of the running.

How much does West Ham United want to sell Declan Rice this summer?

To further Arsenal’s chances of signing Rice more, Dean Jones has reported that the West Ham captain’s camp feel Arteta will give the England anchor the best option for a transfer.

But the Hammers are hoping to earn £100m for the £60k-a-week star should he leave east London. While his contract is due to expire in June 2024, the Hammers also have an option to extend his deal to 2025. The clause may hand them more protection to fend off Arsenal.

Arteta sees Rice as Arsenal’s top transfer target but The Times notes they only want to pay West Ham £80m. The Gunners are confident the bid will be enough to fend off any interest Chelsea show in his services. But the Irons may yet still prove reluctant to accept the offer.