Arsenal have been handed another huge boost towards the signing of Declan Rice this summer, with West Ham reportedly open to negotiate a deal. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta looks to further bolster his midfield options.
Despite the arrival of Jorginho in January, football.london understand that the Gunners still hold a strong interest in Rice. It's also understood that the Hammers captain remains a key target for Chelsea though, without a Champions League qualification place, a move to west London seems unlikely.
Rice sees his contract at the London Stadium expire in 2024, but West Ham are believed to hold the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. Until now, David Moyes' side have seemed reluctant to let go of the England international but they've reportedly come forward with some fresh terms.
READ MORE: Arsenal step closer to wrapping up Bukayo Saka contract agreement as timeline revealed
According to FootballTransfers, senior figures at West Ham want a lump sum up front for Rice, which is said to be between £85million and £95m. However, the report states that the Hammers boss wants a part-exchange swap deal to immediately strengthen his side.
FootballTransfers claim that the Arsenal players Moyes has his eye on are Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi-Lokonga. Interestingly, the former sees his contract with the Gunners expire at the end of next month and he'll soon be available for free.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Anton Ferdinand claimed that now is the perfect time for Rice to leave West Ham – especially with Granit Xhaka said to be leaving to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer. He said: "I think this will be it, if I’m being really honest.
"It kills me to say because he’s been such a fantastic player and a massive part of our team. But I think for him and for us as a club, I think it’s time.
"He’s given everything he can to the football club. And if we do win the Conference League, that’s a perfect sign-off. Arsenal’s the perfect fit for him. I’d play him in the eight, I’d play him where Xhaka is."
READ NEXT:
Tierney's reaction to sub, Saka anger with Partey - Arsenal moments missed vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Partey and Kiwor experiment fails, Trossard poor
Every word Mikel Arteta said on title race disappointment, Partey at right back and Man City gap
Joao Cancelo to Arsenal takes shape as Mikel Arteta agent relations give Gunners priority
Arsenal news and transfer LIVE: All the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium
