Arsenal face major transfer blow with Man City set to hijack their bid for 'world-class' star

Arsenal are battling Manchester City to sign Declan Rice from West Ham next summer, according to a fresh report.

Mikel Arteta’s side are competing with reigning champions City at the top of the Premier League, hoping to win their first title in 19 years.

Indeed the Gunners are currently two points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side, with a game in hand.

However, it appears that both sides are also engaged in a battle off the pitch to sign Rice.

The midfielder’s West Ham deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024, with his future looking increasingly likely to reside away from the London Stadium.

To that end, the England international, who was once described as “world-class” by West Ham’s former head of academy recruitment David Hunt, has admitted he wants to test himself at a higher level. He has persistently rejected the Irons’ efforts to tie him down to a new and improved deal.

While West Ham boss David Moyes has claimed Rice is likely to cost a British record transfer fee, the midfielder still has plenty of suitors.

Man City and Arsenal competing for Rice

Arsenal have been strongly linked to Rice of late, while Chelsea are also thought to be long-time admirers of the West Ham star.

However, transfer guru Graeme Bailey explained to TEAMtalk why City now need to be considered favourites to sign Rice.

Bailey said: “The race for Declan Rice is again intensifying. He is leaving West Ham United this summer – everyone knows it, but it is again unclear where he might end up.

“For a long time, most of the big six wanted him, but that interest narrowed as other targets came up, to the point that Chelsea were very much in pole position to secure his signature.

“And Chelsea remain enticed with the idea of bringing Rice back to the club he began his career with, the club he supported as a child.

“But there are now facing real competition for the England star.

“Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation as we know, but their interest will be dependent on the fee West Ham ask, which could be over £100m.”