Arsenal are in contention to sign Declan Rice in the summer, with the Chelsea target keen on a new challenge away from West Ham United.
Ben Jacobs has told Caught Offside that Arsenal are one of the contenders in the race to sign Declan Rice in the summer. The West Ham United captain is a Chelsea midfield target. But the Gunners could make their case if they continue their current form and cough up the required amount in the summer.
Declan Rice’s future could be up for a final call in the summer, with the midfielder eager to leave West Ham United and join a new project. However, where he might go remains a question, with a host of London clubs chasing the England international.
Rice has seen his stature rise due to solid and consistent performances for West Ham United. He has been with the Londoners since leaving the Chelsea academy as a youngster. The Blues have shown interest in him in the last few years, but the Hammers have shown reluctance towards a sale and slapped a huge price tag to ward off suitors.
West Ham were asking for over £100 million in the past year. However, Ben Jacobs insists the price may get discounted by around £30 million when the summer transfer window opens. He reckons the 23-year-old could be available for about £70-75 million. The information is somewhat baffling, considering his contract runs out in 2024. Still, the Hammers can extend it by a further season.
The English international continues to feature on the radars of a few top clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal. Starting with the Blues, they remain the front-runners due to the work put in the background for many years. And Rice also seemingly prefers to re-join them.
There have been doubts about whether Potter wants Rice to form a part of future teams. But one cannot discredit their initial interest. Moreover, Chelsea may not qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Therefore, it could affect their budget and become an important point in the pursuit of Rice.
Jacobs claims Arsenal are also in a strong position and could become a solid contender for the midfielder. Mikel Arteta has reportedly given his green light to sign Rice in the summer. In addition, the north London club will enter the market for a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.
Rice also spoke positively about Arteta recently. Those factors could come in handy for the Gunners if they are serious about pursuing the Hammers’ captain. But, for now, it seems like an open race for Rice, with Chelsea and Arsenal seemingly the prime contenders.
The Gunners winning the league or making it to the Champions League will boost their chances. Chelsea have remained long-time favourites to sign the midfielder. And it will become an interesting race next summer, as Rice seems destined to leave West Ham.
