Arsenal in pole position to land 24yo midfielder

Arsenal remain in pole position to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice despite interest from Manchester City.

The north London giants have identified the 24-year-old as their priority target for the summer and talks are ongoing with the Hammers.

Their latest offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons was turned down, but they are expected to make a fresh proposal in the coming days.

Manchester City are planning a bid of their own for the player, but The Telegraph claim that Rice prefers to stay put in London next term.

This has provided a major boost for the north London giants and there are suggestions that Rice could become a future captain of the club.

Arsenal are likely to pay £100m including add-ons for Rice. The Hammers may demand easily achievable bonuses as part of the transfer.

The Gunners are also closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea. The German could be the club's first summer purchase.