Arsenal and Chelsea to compete for Declan Rice?

According to reports from multiple sources, Arsenal are considering the possibility of signing West Ham star Declan Rice. The England international has long been admired by Chelsea as well, and the fact that the Blues are spending heavily on reinforcements at the moment has led to speculation that they might go in against the Gunners. If so, Arsenal certainly won’t be pleased, having been beaten by Chelsea to the services of winger Mykhaylo Mudryk already this winter.

Arsenal are known to be on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder, a player to provide proper competition for Thomas Partey as the man tasked primarily with shielding the back line. They failed to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa at the end of the window last summer and the Brazil international has signed a new contract at Villa Park since.

Rice would obviously represent a great option in that role, but it remains to be seen whether he can be prized away from West Ham, or if Chelsea flash their mighty chequebook to thwart Arsenal’s plans again.