Arsenal confident of beating Chelsea to midfielder deal

Arsenal are confident of beating Chelsea to the services of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The Gunners signed Jorginho from the Blues in the last transfer window, but he is only regarded as a stopgap option.

They are expected to spend big on another marquee midfielder and Rice has been identified as the leading target.

It is now reported by The Mirror that the Gunners are confident of beating Chelsea in the race to land his signature.

Rice obviously has a strong bond with the Blues. He spent eight years in their academy before being released by them.

Despite this, the Gunners believe they have the upper hand amid their title charge and Champions League qualification.

The Gunners are just few wins away from returning to the Champions League after a lengthy wait of six seasons.

They are currently eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league, but there is still plenty of work to be done.