‘I really want to’ - Declan Rice has given transfer verdict amid West Ham to Arsenal development

Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Declan Rice from West Ham this summer. The midfielder is under contract at the London Stadium until June 2024 and is facing an uncertain long-term future.

The Guardian claim the Gunners are ‘optimistic’ that they can win the race for his signature. The report adds that he is their ‘top target’ and that he could become their record signing if they can beat competition from rivals such as Chelsea to land him.

Rice, 24, has already hinted at his plans at the end of this campaign which will be good news to those of an Arsenal persuasion. Speaking during the World Cup, he said, as per talkSPORT:

“For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that [I want more]. You know, I’ve been playing consistently well for the club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here that are playing Champions League, winning the big trophies.

“You only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look back and [look at] what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in. I’m really ambitious and I really want to do that.”

West Ham will be realistic about their chances of keeping Rice at the end of this campaign amid interest from Champions League sides. Boss David Moyes has made it clear they won’t let him leave without a fight and said last month, as per the Daily Mail:

“He wants to win and he wants to play for a really good side, which is going to give him that opportunity to do so. We hope that we can reach the Champions League. It is looking difficult at this moment in time but we are not just going to roll over and let Dec walk out of the building, that is for sure. It is going to be a big fight.’

“I like it because he wants to challenge himself and wants to play in the big games and wants to be a top player. I don’t think you are ever going to hold anyone back from having those ambitions.”

Arsenal are currently eight points clear at the top of the table after their win over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Their fans are dreaming of the title and the club seem to be planning for the future as well with Rice identified as a key target.