Arsenal are set to prioritise a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad even further, football.london understands. Rice's contract with the Hammers is set to expire at the end of next season which could see West Ham look to cash in on their star midfielder.
Rice has hardly played down speculation over his future after admitting that he wants to play for a club in the Champions League and compete at the top of the Premier League table. For a long time it seemed inevitable that the Hammers captain's next club would be Chelsea, where he spent his formative years before being released aged just 14.
The 24-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, along with Real Madrid in Spain. Rice is said to favour a move that would see him stay in London, but United are hoping to offer him a huge financial package and outbid their rivals in an effort to see him partner up alongside Casemiro in Erik ten Hag's midfield.
READ MORE: Emile Smith Rowe set for new Arsenal role as Hale End star now 'pain-free' after injury problems
Former Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes Rice would be a better fit at Stamford Bridge rather than the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to Midnite, Johnson said: "Arsenal are definitely leading the race to sign Rice.
"If you would have said nine months ago that Arsenal would sign him, I would probably be laughing! Arsenal have looked the real deal, they have won matches that they definitely would have lost last season and it's a fantastic club that is going in the right direction. They have definitely earned the right to put their hat in the ring amongst the many other teams chasing him.
"If he ends up at Arsenal, I would be a bit surprised but they have definitely given themselves a chance. Declan Rice will be more suited at Chelsea.
"If he goes to Arsenal or Real Madrid he would have a lot of players already pushing up and he wouldn't need to go up as much as he does now. He will be limited within his position and play with a handbrake on.
"Whereas at Chelsea - he would be more free to do what he wants. If he has some of the best players in the world in front of him - his only role would be to win the ball and get it moving quickly, whereas at this point in time, Chelsea need him to get involved."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal announce major club change as Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke handed new roles
Mikel Arteta to recall Arsenal signing for Sporting CP clash as Gabriel Jesus dilemma emerges
Emile Smith Rowe set for new Arsenal role as Hale End star now 'pain-free' after injury problems
PSV chief uses Gabriel Jesus Arsenal transfer example in sly dig at Man United for £86m deal
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
