Arsenal have their sights set on West Ham and England midfielder, Declan Rice this summer. The Times report that Arsenal are growing in confidence that they can beat Chelsea to the signature of the 24-year-old.
Manchester United are also expected to be within the bidding war but considering the gunners status as current Premier league leaders, they believe it puts them in a strong position to land the highly rated West Ham captain.
Declan Rice stated his desire to play Champions League football in an interview last month (Guardian).
“One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” he said. “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here (England national team) who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
“You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
These quotes suggest Rice will be open to leaving the London Stadium and with the Hammers currently placed within the relegation zone, the Englishman may have to fulfil his desire elsewhere.
Mark Marston | GFN
