Arsenal have made signing Declan Rice from West Ham in the summer transfer window a priority as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta's midfield options, football.london understands. The Gunners added Jorginho to the squad in January but are eyeing a deal for Rice at the end of the season as he enters the final year of his contract with the Hammers.
Rice has rejected a number of approaches from West Ham regarding a new deal at the London Stadium, with the England international expressing a desire to play for a club in the Champions League. Chelsea had led the race for his signature for a while, but now it seems Rice is favouring a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal look set to qualify for next season's Champions League campaign as they lead the way in the Premier League title race by two points. The Gunners are admirers of the Jude Bellingham, but his £150million price tag is likely to be just out of their price range as they search for a new central midfielder this summer, whilst Rice could be available for around £70-80million given his contract situation.
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