Arsenal have moved into pole place within the race for West Ham United captain Declan Rice this summer time.

The Gunners have reportedly set their sights on signing the 24-year-old midfielder as their prime precedence for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

The England worldwide has constructed a popularity as one of many Premier League’s most distinctive midfielders and has grow to be a vital participant for the Hammers since his senior debut in 2017. With 12 targets and 13 assists in 229 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder has confirmed his value on the pitch.

Regardless of his success with the East London facet, there may be widespread hypothesis about Rice’s future with lower than 18 months remaining on his contract on the London Stadium. A number of prime groups together with Manchester Metropolis, Manchester United and Chelsea are additionally mentioned to be occupied with signing him, so Arsenal is more likely to face stiff competitors.

The Guardian, citing The Mail, stories that Rice could be very more likely to depart West Ham in the summertime switch window, with Arsenal being his more than likely vacation spot.

Reviews recommend that the North Londoners have contacted Rice’s representatives relating to a possible summer time switch. Throughout the January switch window, the Premier League leaders have been available in the market for a brand new midfielder, however have been unable to signal Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, ultimately recruiting Jorginho from Chelsea.

Whereas Caicedo stays a goal for Arteta, Rice is believed to be Arsenal’s principal goal. Nonetheless, each gamers may price upwards of £100m, making it unlikely that each gamers will transfer.

Arsenal, presently sitting on the prime of the Premier League with a 22-point lead over fifth-placed Newcastle United with 11 video games remaining, are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League.

Rice has made it clear that he actually desires to play within the Champions League. Chatting with reporters, he expressed his ambition to compete on the highest stage, having constantly carried out effectively for his membership in recent times. He talked about his associates who’re presently enjoying within the Champions League and successful main trophies.

Rice believes {that a} participant has just one profession, and on the finish of it, he desires to recollect the numerous achievements he has made. He’s decided to pursue his ambition to play within the Champions League and compete within the largest video games within the sport.

West Ham sporting director and Declan Rice’s former teammate Mark Noble additionally commented on Rice’s ambition to play within the Champions League. Noble acknowledges that the world of soccer is such that gamers wish to compete in Europe’s elite membership competitors, and he cannot blame Rice for sharing that ambition.

Noble praised Rice as a implausible participant and a fantastic individual, who has constantly carried out at a excessive stage for West Ham. He understands that Rice’s want to win trophies and play within the largest video games is pure, and he does not envy him for it. Nonetheless, Noble expects Rice to proceed to carry out effectively for West Ham till his eventual departure.

To finance a possible Rice transfer, Arsenal may contemplate promoting Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga in the course of the subsequent switch window.