Declan Rice: Arsenal make West Ham midfielder top summer target

Arsenal are confident they can land Rice's signature

Arsenal have listed Declan Rice as their number one target for the summer transfer window and are confident they can fend off competition from Chelsea for his signature. Rice is a player in demand and is set to be at the epicentre of a major bidding war between the likes of the Gunners and Chelsea, as well as Manchester United, who are also watching the 24-year-old closely, as revealed by The Telegraph. West Ham United are set to be resigned to losing their captain - who's contract runs out in 2024 - after he seemed unwilling to commit to a new deal. It's estimated that £80m could be enough to prize him away from the London Stadium. Mikel Arteta's main priority at present is to sign a new winger this month before looking at the central midfield and full back positions in the summer. Rice fits into Arteta's vision for Arsenal as a young and aggressive midfielder and the England international has repeatedly said he wants to play Champions League football - something that is almost certainly going to be on offer at the Emirates Stadium next season. Chelsea meanwhile, who have been long-term admirers of Rice, are some way off their Champions League aspirations and are 10th in the Premier League - ten points outside of the top four and their only likely hope of returning to Europe's elite competition is by winning it. Despite their poor season Chelsea have always been the favourites to sign Rice. The 24-year-old was at the club's academy until the age of 14, supports the Blues and is also the close friend of key first-teamer, Mason Mount. Related links:

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