Arsenal have reportedly made West Ham captain Declan Rice their top target for next summer. It's understood that the Gunners are 'growing in confidence' that they can beat Chelsea to the midfielder's signature at the end of the season, according to The Times.
Rice, 24, has been linked with a move away from the Hammers for some time after advancing as one of the Premier League's best midfielders. The England international has been tipped to make a return to Chelsea after leaving the club at youth level earlier in his career but a move to the Emirates Stadium could now be on the cards.
Earlier this season, whilst at the World Cup, Rice declared his aspirations to play in the Champions League in his career. With West Ham lurking close to the relegation zone, a big-money move looks likely this year. "Yeah - one hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League," the 23-year-old said.
