News broke on Monday evening suggesting Arsenal are 'optimistic' about fending off competition to sign Declan Rice in the 2023 summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has just over 12 months remaining on his contract at West Ham United and is reluctant to extend his stay at the London Stadium – something that has put the top clubs in England on red alert. Chelsea are one of said clubs that hold a keen interest in Rice and they have done for some time.
Rice was released by Chelsea when he was a teenager trying to break through the academy system. However, since the setback, the established England international's progress has been frightening and he is now one of the most highly-rated defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
