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Arsenal lead race to sign West Ham ace Declan Rice

By on January 27, 2023

Declan-Rice

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, as per the transfer insider Dean Jones.

The 24-year-old has already expressed his desire to leave the London Stadium over the coming months in order to play Champions League football.

The midfielder – who has rejected a contract extension with David Moyes’ side – has entered the final 18 months of his current deal and there is an option to extend the deal for one more year.

So, the Hammers are in a strong position to ask a big fee to sell him in the summer and it was previously reported that West Ham would accept a fee of around £70m.

It has been suggested that apart from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs are also eyeing a move for Rice. However, the midfielder’s eagerness to stay in London will give the Blues and the Gunners an advantage over their northern rivals.

Rice to Arsenal

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has said that Arsenal are the frontrunners over Chelsea in the race to sign Rice at the moment due to the Emirates outfit’s resurgence this season.

When asked whether Arsenal will win the race to sign Rice, Jones said:

“They’re [Arsenal] on course to win the league, so it’s an easy stance to take at this moment in January. ”

“Ultimately, he’s[Rice] going to weigh up things properly towards the end of the season. It looks easy right now, there’s a huge gulf between where Arsenal are and where Chelsea are.”

If Arsenal end up winning the title this term and Chelsea – who are currently languishing down in 10th place – fail to qualify for the Champions League next season then the Gunners would definitely be a more tempting destination for Rice next summer.

Arteta has managed to rebuild the club with talented young players and therefore, it can be expected that the North Londoners will be able to continue performing at the highest level and challenge for big prizes in years to come. So, joining Arsenal would be a very good decision for the West Ham ace.

It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal will be able to win the race for the 24-year-old next summer. Rice has already showcased his talent during his time with the east London club, therefore, securing the England international’s signature would be a no-brainer for Arteta’s side.