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Arsenal has jumped ahead of Premier League opponents in the race to recruit West Ham captain Declan Rice, according to Football Insider sources.
According to sources with knowledge of the 24-year-predicament, old’s the Gunners are in constant communication with Rice’s representation ahead of a summer signing.
Arsenal FC is attempting to beat its competitors to the punch by reaching an agreement with Rice before the conclusion of the season.
The England international midfielder is likely to leave West Ham in the summer when his contract at the London Stadium expires after a year.
Because of his delicate contract status, West Ham will most likely only be able to collect a price of £70-80 million for their most valuable asset.
It is also said that the Premier League leaders are willing to offer Rice a long-term deal worth more than £200,000 per week, a significant increase from his stated present salary of £60,000 per week.
The current top earners at the Emirates Stadium are Gabriel Jesus (£265,000 per week) and Thomas Partey (£200,000 per week), implying that a contract for Rice would not deviate from the salary structure.
Rice has made no secret of his ambition to play at the greatest level, and Arsenal appear to be on track to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.
Arsenal FC to buy Declan Rice
The England midfielder will also train alongside Three Lions colleagues Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, and Emile Smith Rowe ahead of next year’s European Championships.
Rice has started every Premier League game this season for West Ham, and the Irons captain has played every minute of every encounter in the top tier.
He will be crucial in their bid to avoid relegation, since they are now in the bottom three.
