Chelsea to lose top midfield target to Arsenal?

Arsenal could reportedly beat Chelsea to the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The England international has spent his entire senior career with the Hammers but he is expected to leave them soon.

His contract effectively expires in the summer of 2025 and he has no plans of putting pen-to-paper on an extension.

According to The Times, both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in prising away Rice in the next transfer window.

The Hammers are likely to do business for £80 million and it is claimed that Mikel Arteta's side could be favourites.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of their former academy graduate but they may struggle to convince him this summer.

The Blues have had a dreadful top-flight campaign and they are currently languishing 10th in the league standings.

Hence, they may not even be playing in Europe next season and this could be a major drawback in the pursuit of Rice.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are almost assured of Champions League football and should feel confident that Rice will choose them.