West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is thought to be excited by the prospect of signing for Arsenal this summer.
That’s according to Football London correspondent Kaya Kaynak, who has told Give Me Sport that Rice is ‘quite happy’ with Arsenal’s interest.
Kaynak notes that Rice is excited by the potential move to North London and the chance to play in the Champions League.
Kaynak added that Rice is ‘very flattered’ by Arsenal’s interest with the Gunners seemingly having real hope of a deal.
“From what I hear, he is quite happy with that interest. He’s quite excited by the prospect of moving to Arsenal and the prospect of playing in the Champions League, which is something he’s always said,” said Kaynak. “He has been very flattered by the fact that Arsenal are making an effort to sign him and going in this way. I think it’s looking positive for Arsenal,” he added.
Arsenal could land major coup in Declan Rice
Arsenal signed a new midfielder on deadline day as Jorginho arrived from Chelsea but that won’t stop them moving for Rice.
The Teelegraph reported in January that Arsenal have made Rice their top target for the summer.
A £70million deal is thought to be in the pipeline for Arsenal as they look to prise Rice away from the London Stadium.
Rice has refused new contracts at West Ham and wants to play at the highest level, with Arsenal able to offer that pathway.
The Times reported just last week that Arsenal are now confident of securing Rice’s signature this summer.
It’s all looking good for Arsenal and what a deal this would be for the Gunners.
Rice can play in front of the back four or even in a role further forward, just like Granit Xhaka has this season.
Rice is only 24 and still has plenty of untapped potential, which Mikel Arteta would no doubt love to work with in the coming years.
If Arsenal can secure Rice, this would really show the rest of the so-called ‘big six’ that they mean business.
What about Chelsea?
Rice has been linked with Chelsea for a long time now.
Rice started his career in the Chelsea ranks and there have been many rumours over the years linking him with a return to Stamford Bridge.
Yet after splashing big cash on Enzo Fernandez, there have been mixed noises.
The London Evening Standard suggested in January that Chelsea have now backed away from the Englishman.
However, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has suggested that Chelsea do still want Rice this summer and is top of their midfield wish list.
Chelsea beat Arsenal to Mykhailo Mudryk in January but there seems to be a real chance for Arsenal to get revenge by landing Rice.
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