Arsenal icon Lee Dixon believes the Gunners are using their interest in West Ham captain Declan Rice as a 'smokescreen' whilst they pursue other players. football.london understands Arsenal are prioritising a move for Rice this summer as they look to add quality competition for Thomas Partey in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Rice's contract with the Hammers is set to expire at the end of next season which could see West Ham look to cash in on their star midfielder. The Gunners' interest in Rice was revealed during the January transfer window after they had two bids rejected for Brighton ace Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian midfielder released a statement as he pushed to leave the Seagulls on deadline day but has since deleted this and signed a new long-term deal with the club. Despite committing his future to Brighton - Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all thought to retain an interest in the 21-year-old and could push for his signature once again this summer.
