Arsenal look set to blow Chelsea and Manchester United out of the water in the race to sign Declan Rice. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from West Ham this summer after leading the Hammers to European glory.
Despite the arrival of Jorginho in January, football.london understand that the Gunners had already identified Rice as a priority early this year. It's also understood that the England international remains a key target for the Blues though, without a Champions League qualification place, a move to west London has looked unlikely.
Rice sees his contract at the London Stadium expire in 2024, but West Ham are believed to hold the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. The Hammers were initially reluctant to let go of their captain, but after the Europa Conference League final David Sullivan left the door open to his departure.
