Arsenal favourites ahead of Man Utd to sign 24yo

Arsenal are reportedly favourites ahead of Manchester United to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the England international and they are preparing a formal bid for his services.

According to The Telegraph, the north London giants are moving a step closer in the pursuit of Rice, who could cost a club-record fee.

Arsenal are planning to make an offer worth £92 million and are optimistic that the fee will be sufficient to land the 24-year-old.

Rice effectively has two years left on his Hammers deal and owner David Sullivan has confirmed that he will be sold this summer.

Aside from Arsenal, Manchester United are also interested in the former Blues graduate, but they are unlikely to enter the race.

United's main priority is a marquee striker and they are unlikely to spend a big chunk of their budget on Rice at the current point.

Any move for a defensive midfielder may depend on player sales. Arsenal are in the driving seat to bring Rice to the Emirates.