Arsenal have reportedly identified Declan Rice as their top target for the summer with Edu already prepping for the 2023/24 season. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League, eight points clear of Manchester City, and are seeking a first title win since 2004 under Mikel Arteta.
The West Ham midfield maestro has faced an uncertain future after reportedly rejecting three fresh contract offers. Rice's current deal at the London Stadium expires in 2024 - with West Ham having an option to extend to a further year - and David Moyes' men may be forced to sell their star asset.
In the summer, Manchester United went against signing the England international due to the £150million price tag demanded from West Ham. It's expected that a similar price will be required to acquire his services at the end of the season, though it's also been reported that he could be available for £80million.
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According to The Times, Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United are set to join Arsenal in the intense bidding war in the summer. However, one key factor in a potential deal could be the opportunity to appear in the Champions League - something Rice has revealed he wants to do.
Earlier this campaign, Rice came up against Mikel Arteta's men at the Emirates Stadium and was on the losing side of the Premier League battle. Back on Boxing Day, Rice's West Ham gave up a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 thanks to second half strikes from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.
After the game, Rice heaped praise onto the Gunners and labelled them a "top team". "100% (Arsenal are title contenders)," he said. "I think they're a top team, you can see they're coached incredibly well, the attacking talent, it's a young squad, they could go the whole way for sure. They're a good team.
"We tried to stop them first half but it's really hard. In the end, we come up short and it's frustrating."
Since the resumption of domestic football following the World Cup, West Ham have lost three of their four league games and find themselves occupying the final relegation spot in the Premier League table. Should Moyes fail at keeping the club in the top flight, luring Rice to the Emirates Stadium may become an easier task.
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