Arsenal learn huge Declan Rice update that will interest Chelsea fans

It's a familiar face that is making headlines with links to Arsenal in the papers today.

Declan Rice and his future at West Ham has long been a talking topic but impressive England performances against Italy and Ukraine has added fuel to the fire.

The Hammers wouldn't negotiate with clubs in January as they continue to battle relegation but it's a much different story for the Gunners who are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Next up for Mikel Arteta is the visit of Leeds United on Saturday but, before that, here is the latest transfer news from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal ‘confident’ of Declan Rice coup

Arsenal are 'confident' that they will be able to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

A new report in the Evening Standard suggests the Gunners are favourites to sign the West Ham midfielder instead of his boyhood club Chelsea, who released him as a youngster in 2014.

Arsenal looked to sign a midfielder in January but didn't enquire about Rice after West Ham made it clear the star would not leave the London Stadium mid-relegation battle.

The Standard reports that there have still not been any direct talks between the two clubs but that Mikel Arteta's project at Arsenal appeals to Rice with Chelsea looking likely to miss out on Champions League football.

Other top clubs had also been linked with Rice, but Manchester United are set to focus spending on a striker and Manchester City on the Jude Bellingham race with Liverpool.

Brazilian wonderkid’s dad flies to London

The father of 18-year-old Brazilian star Vitor Roque has flown to London to meet with Arsenal ahead of a potential transfer.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that Roque's dad is also meeting with Chelsea while in the capital.

The chance to work with fellow Brazilians Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos might attract the forward, who currently plays his football for the Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense.

Despite his young age, Roque made his debut for Brazil against Morocco last week and has 10 goals and three assists at club level so far this season.