Arsenal are keen to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice this summer, football.london understands.
Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield options at the end of the current campaign and Rice remains the Spaniard's priority target. London rivals Chelsea are also interested in the England international, football.london understands but the Blues won't be in the UEFA Champions League next season, a competition that the player has previously admitted he wants to play in sooner rather than later.
After West Ham defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, Gunners icon Ian Wright admitted that he was a big fan of the 24-year-old, telling him, via Premier League productions: "I love you Declan." Rice reciprocated Wright's sentiment, replying with: "I love you too, Wrighty. See you later mate."
READ MORE: Arsenal's final four Premier League fixtures compared to Manchester City in tense title race
This only adds to a theory conjured up by Arsenal fans earlier this year that claimed Wright had hinted that Rice wanted a move to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking back in October 2022, he said: "Whatever happens off the back of this season if Arsenal do get in the top four with the players that I know that are probably waiting..."
When prompted to reveal who he was talking about, Wright then smirked and continued: "No, no, no. I can't say anything. Waiting for Arsenal to get in the Champions League, this season will be a massive learning curve for this team. That's the least we can get out of it."
READ NEXT:
Gabriel injury update, Granit Xhaka's Arsenal future, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo dream
Arsenal’s possible 25-man squad for next season contains 5 new signings including Chelsea star
Arsenal and Chelsea handed huge Jude Bellingham update as transfer agreement reached
Mikel Arteta shows true colours with what he did to Mykhailo Mudryk during Arsenal vs Chelsea
Transfer news LIVE: All the latest news and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
