Arsenal are bracing themselves for showdown talks in the race to sign Declan Rice. The 24-year-old continues to be heavily linked with a big move this summer following his impressive performances for West Ham.
Despite the arrival of Jorginho in January, football.london understand that the Gunners identified Rice as a priority signing earlier this year. Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new midfielder and the Hammers captain has been identified as a worthy replacement for Thomas Partey, who's expected to leave.
West Ham were initially reluctant to offload Rice, who sees his contract at the London Stadium expire in 12-months, but, after leading the club to European glory, David Sullivan sanctioned his departure. Arsenal once looked well positioned to secure the England international, though they now face tough competition from Manchester City.
