Chelsea and Manchester United have been told why they have an advantage over Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.
The Hammers skipper is expected to seal a summer move away from the London Stadium with his contract entering its final 12 months at the end of the season.
Rice's admission of seeking Champions League football last year has seen the Gunners become favourites to land the box-to-box midfielder, with them already guaranteeing their spot in Europe's prestigious stage. football.london understands that Rice is the Gunners' top target for the summer window.
READ MORE: Three Chelsea players West Ham would take in swap for Declan Rice £100m transfer deal
However, Arsenal's rivals may have their own advantage in the transfer battle. Following reports that West Ham will demand £120million - a British transfer record - for Rice, Mikel Arteta may opt to bolster his midfield with a cheaper alternative, leaving Chelsea to swoop in.
Todd Boehly hasn't held back in his spending flexibility since completing his takeover of the club, spending over half a billion pounds on new signings - including a £106million deal to bring Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has claimed he can't see his old side coughing up the expensive price tag in the summer, despite returning to the Champions League. "I think Declan Rice is going to be too expensive for Arsenal, quite frankly," he told talkSPORT.
"I think he will be too expensive for Liverpool as well who have been in the Champions League now for a number of years.
"He’s a player Arsenal will like but not with those costs involved, I think it’s too much. Looking at Arsenal’s business, I don’t think it’s a route they will go down.
"I don’t think they’ve got the money, even though the Champions League will bring some more revenue. I don’t see him as a player Arsenal can afford to buy."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea set for summer exodus as defenders' transfer fates under Mauricio Pochettino revealed
Chelsea have four-man shortlist to meet key Mauricio Pochettino transfer demand after meetings
Todd Boehly plots shock Sadio Mane transfer swoop after Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea order
Chelsea given $68m Victor Osimhen choice amid Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic transfer hint
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
