Arsenal increasingly confident of signing Chelsea target Declan Rice

Arsenal have been linked with a summer move for the West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, a target for Chelsea.

Declan Rice is a target for Arsenal and Chelsea. But Dean Jones has revealed to Give Me Sport that Arsenal are currently leading the chase for the 24-year-old West Ham United defensive midfielder.

“A lot can happen in the next two months until the end of the season. That one could go either way, but Arsenal feel like they’re in the lead for that at the moment. So, Chelsea might have to turn their attentions elsewhere, which will be to Lavia first and foremost.”

Declan Rice is a priority target for Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal manager looks to bring in a reliable partner for Thomas Partey. Arsenal need to add more quality and depth to their midfield and Rice would be a sensational acquisition for them.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the league and he has proven his quality with West Ham and England. The player, valued at £80 million, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge. And it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can tempt him with a lucrative offer.

However, Arsenal are on course to win the Premier League title this season, and that would make them a more attractive destination. Rice wants to join a club in the Champions League. And the Gunners are more or less certain to play in the European competition next season.

On the other hand, Chelsea are tenth in the league table right now. And it is highly unlikely that they will manage to finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification. Arsenal are certainly ahead of Chelsea in the race right now. And it remains to be seen whether they can get a deal across the line in the coming months.

Arsenal will need a deeper squad to compete on all fronts next season and should look to add more depth to their attack as well. Mikel Arteta has not been able to rotate his squad often this season. So Arsenal cannot afford to go into the new season with a similar squad.

The Gunners have had to overuse Partey because of the lack of a specialist defensive midfielder apart from him. The arrival of Rice will allow Arteta to rest his key players from time to time. And it would also improve Arsenal defensively and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom. For now, they are optimistic about signing £80 million-rated midfielder.