Arsenal increasingly confident of signing 24yo midfielder

Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The Gunners have had a fantastic Premier League campaign and they are currently second in the standings.

Mikel Arteta is set to be backed with more funds this summer and a new midfielder is one of the top targets.

It is now reported by The Mail that the Gunners are increasingly confident of prising away the Hammers captain.

Rice currently has a year remaining on his contract but the Hammers have the option to extend for another 12 months.

The east London outfit have come to acceptance that they have to sell him and are prepared to command a hefty fee.

It could cost at least £100 million but the Gunners are still positive about landing the highly-rated midfielder.

Chelsea have also been linked with Rice in the past but he is likely to give preference to Champions League football.

Aside from Arsenal, Manchester United could be strong contenders to sign the England international this summer.