Declan Rice has already explained why Arsenal may hold the advantage in transfer race

Declan Rice has already explained why Arsenal may have an advantage in the race to sign him this summer.

The midfielder is being linked with a move away from West Ham United, as he has been for the last two summers. Chelsea and Manchester United have been the clubs to have been linked the most during that time, but it seems Arsenal may now be interested in a move ahead of this summer.

According to Fichajes, the Gunners could turn to Rice as they look to sign a new holding midfielder, and the deal could well work out perfectly for them, as long as they can hold off potential rivals. West Ham are having an extremely poor season currently, struggling to pull themselves away from the bottom three.

With European football unlikely for the Hammers next season, Rice could well demand an exit once and for all as he looks to realise his ambition of playing on the European stage, and Arsenal may be in a great position should they try to convince Rice this summer.

The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League, and if they are not champions by the end of the season, it’s looking very likely they will be playing Champions League football next season. That, above all, could give Arsenal an edge in a potential race to sign Rice, especially with Chelsea’s struggles this term.

The midfielder said earlier this season: “100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here, who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”