He Arsenal is in a privileged position to secure the signing of the English midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to sources close to Football Insider. Rice is expected to leave West Ham in the next transfer window for a fee of around £100m, attracting interest from several top clubs.
Manchester City and Chelsea are also eyeing the English international, but are behind the team led by Mikel Arteta in the race to sign him. It is understood that Rice would prefer to remain in his hometown of London.
Chelsea have long pursued Rice but in recent months have turned their interest to Southampton player Romeo Lavia, who has emerged as a prime target for the London outfit this season.
Favorites to sign him
Arsenal are positioned as favorites to sign the West Ham star, thanks to the excellent progress he has made under Arteta this season, as well as being able to guarantee participation in the next Champions League. Rice grew up a Chelsea fan and is close friends with Mason Mount, which has given Stamford Bridge supporters hope of seeing him wear blue next season, but it looks like he will opt for the other London club.
It is not ruled out that Chelsea try to sign him if the next coach, Mauricio Pochettino, considers it so. Rice has started 33 Premier League games and has played in 43 games in all competitions this season, tallying four goals and four assists.
Since making his West Ham debut at the age of 18, Rice has amassed a total of 238 appearances and has barely missed any games in that period, something that interested clubs like very much as he shows a lot of physical strength.
2023-05-04 15:20:30
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