Arsenal are reportedly prioritizing the transfer of West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

Several reports and sources have claimed that the Gunners are looking to bring the England midfielder to the Emirates.

Now CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has provided an in-depth update on the state of affairs regarding Arsenal and Rice.

Jacobs, writing in CaughtOffside, says the Hammers are “reassuring” to lose the captaincy in the summer.

He also felt that Arsenal are basically the “favourites” for Rice to sign at the moment. “Chelsea also really want rice”

However, Jacobs has warned the Gunners that Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also on the hunt.
He thinks the Blues could be a particularly tough opponent again, as was the case with Mykhaylo Mudryk.

“Arsenal’s priority in midfield will be Declan Rice and West Ham are resigned to losing him,” Jacobs wrote on CaughtOffside.

“David Moyes, predictably, was quick to say that if Rice left him, it would have to be for a record UK transfer fee.

“But the applicants are hoping for a fee of £70-80m. This is ultimately because Rice’s contract expires in the summer of 2024.

“But Chelsea’s big spending could drive up the market and with it the price of Rice.

“You can understand why the sale of clubs, especially for top-level central midfielders, will point to Enzo Fernandez’s £107million and ask for something similar.

“I still think Rice will go cheaper but how much that will depend on whether West Ham get into some kind of bidding war.”
“Chelsea also want Rice a lot. Manchester United and Newcastle United can’t be ruled out either, although I understand Rice prefers to stay in London.

“Rice also wants Champions League football. Whether that means immediate or not remains to be seen, but Arsenal can clearly use that to their advantage given where they are headed.

“Rice also spoke enthusiastically about Arteta, so it’s probably fair to call Arsenal favorites at the moment. “But as we saw in their pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, that doesn’t always mean a whole lot that far.
“If Chelsea offer a lot of money or money above market value, Arsenal should be breaking transfer market principles.”

Arsenal must go all out for Rice – TBR View

The Rice Race is sure to be an exciting and hotly contested saga. And Arsenal will certainly give themselves chances to triumph.

Although the Gunners signed Jorginho in January, Mikel Arteta could be looking for a longer-term option to build the squad.
Rice, whom Mark Noble dubbed “one of the best in the world” in 2022, would be the ideal option for any club. However, Arsenal must be prepared to really push the boat out as Chelsea will be hot on their heels.