Arsenal Emerges as Top Contender to Sign Declan Rice as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City compete for £80m West Ham Star
- World Soccer Today -
According to reports, Arsenal have made Declan Rice their primary target for the upcoming transfer window.
The West Ham player, who is entering the last year of his contract with the option for an extra year, is reportedly being sought after by Arsenal, who believe they can beat out competition from Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.
The transfer fee for Rice is expected to be around £80 million.
Multiple top clubs, such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Declan Rice.
A bidding war for the Englishman is expected to occur this summer, with a potential transfer fee of £80 million.
However, Arsenal believe they have an advantage in signing Rice as they are currently leading in the Premier League.
According to The Times, Arsenal are actively seeking a new midfielder and have made Rice their top target.
Rice's youth, aggression, and desire to play in the Champions League align with the type of player that Arsenal's coach, Mikel Arteta, has been targeting in recent transfer windows.
Although Arsenal had initially prioritized signing a new winger, they were unable to secure a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk as Chelsea outbid them with a £88 million offer and double the wages.
Chelsea has been considered a top contender to sign Declan Rice for a while due to Rice's support for the club, his close friendship with Mason Mount, and his former membership in Chelsea's academy.
Manchester United, on the other hand, had been deterred from signing Rice last summer due to a reported price tag of £150 million.
Now that the price tag has decreased, Rice's decision may depend on which team has the best future prospects.
Currently, Arsenal is eight points ahead at the top of the league table, following their win in the North London derby.
However, some experts believe that a defeat to Manchester United next weekend could change the dynamics of the league.
