Arsenal are growing increasingly confident over their chances of signing Declan Rice from West Ham in the summer.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, are all hoping to prise the England international away from the London Stadium at the end of the season. With Rice understandably keen on challenging himself at a Big Six club, it is expected the Hammers will reluctantly cash in on their captain, whose contract will have just two years left to run.
And although Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been touted as the favourites in the race for Rice's signature, Arsenal have now emerged as the frontrunners and believe they are firmly on track to pipping their top-flight rivals to the capture of the 24-year-old.
According to The Evening Standard, Mikel Arteta has made Rice his No.1 transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window. Rice, who has openly expressed his desire to play Champions League football and challenge for trophies, fits perfectly with Arsenal's recruitment model, which is based around signing quality players who are young enough to evolve alongside the club.
The report outlines that Arsenal gave consideration to signing a midfielder in January, and Rice was on their agenda. However, West Ham made it clear that their captain would not be allowed to depart the club midway through a relegation battle - even though there was an 'acceptance' that they would cash in on Rice at the end of the campaign.
There have been no direct talks between Arsenal and West Ham as of yet, but it is believed the project at the Emirates Stadium appeals to Rice, who has watched on from afar at the job Arteta has done to transform the Gunners into title contenders.
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Arsenal were in the market for midfield reinforcements last summer and failed with a deadline day move for Aston Villa enforcer Douglas Luiz before Jorginho was snapped up from Chelsea in January to provide cover and competition for Thomas Partey, who has a checkered injury history.
Chelsea are Rice's boyhood club and had long been considered favourites to re-sign Rice but look likely to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League. And while Manchester United are long-term admirers of Rice, Erik ten Hag's top priority is signing an elite No.9 ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
It is anticipated that Manchester City will be in the market for a midfielder in the summer too, although they have been linked with Rice's England colleague, Jude Bellingham.
The Gunners will be hoping that they can end their agonising 19-year title drought before stepping up negotiations for Rice at the end of the season. Arteta's side are currently eight points clear of Manchester City with just 10 league games remaining.
