Arsenal ready to swoop for Chelsea midfield target

Arsenal are ready to make a serious approach to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the season.

The Gunners are planning to sign a new defensive midfielder, but they are prepared to wait until the summer to do so.

Rice has been on their radar for a while and they are now optimistic about their chances of landing him ahead of their rivals.

Chelsea have been touted as favourites to land Rice for the past few campaigns, but they could miss out on him next summer.

Rice is keen on playing Champions League football and that may not be available with the Blues, who are 10th in the league.

Hence, Arsenal have an edge over their London counterparts but they could still face competition from Manchester United.

The Red Devils have a solid defensive midfielder in Casemiro, but they are open to the possibility of signing Rice as well.

Rice could be sold for around £70 million by the Hammers.