Declan Rice prefers switch to Arsenal, says report

West Ham star midfielder Declan Rice is apparently open to a move to Arsenal this summer. The England international has been linked with the Gunners for months now and would be a quality addition to the team. Any potential move for Rice could cost a club up to $125 million. The 24-year-old midfielder’s current contract is set to expire with the Hammers in 2024, but the team does have an additional one-year option.

TalkSport is reporting that Newcastle have joined Arsenal, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs in pursuit of Rice. However, the news outlet claims that the Gunners are the clear favorites. Rice is even supposedly ‘excited’ about the possibility to work with manager Mikel Arteta in north London.

Declan Rice spoke highly of Arsenal and Arteta in pregame notes

Rice actually faced Arsenal on Sunday, as the Gunners traveled across London to play West Ham. As club captain, Rice issued statements regarding Arsenal in the program notes. “[Arsenal] have had a strong season and have now got a real identity to the way they play under Mikel Arteta,” Rice wrote ahead of the matchup.

“I obviously know a few of their players from England and they are not only top-class on the pitch but good boys off it. But of course those friendships will go out the window when we kick-off today!”

West Ham fought back to grab a vital point against the Premier League leaders in the match. Rice was one of the key players in the middle of the pitch for the Hammers. He recorded four tackles and four interceptions to help breakup the potent Gunners offense. The midfielder even even asked for an autographed jersey from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard after the game.

Midfielder has made it known he wants to win trophies

Rice has previously spoken freely about contending for the Premier League title and playing in the Champions League.

“I don’t want to have a career where I’ve not won anything. Growing up as a kid, I’ve seen all these top players win the trophies, win the Premier League, the Champions League,” proclaimed Rice last year.

“Me, as a football fan and a player, I want to win the best stuff. I want to win the Premier League, I want to lift that trophy, I want to win the Champions League. I want to win the FA Cups, League Cups, even with England, I want to win it all.”

Arsenal are currently leading England’s top flight and have collected four FA Cup trophies since 2013. West Ham, although currently still in the third-tiered Europa Conference League, are sitting 15th in the Premier League table.

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images