Arsenal favourites for Declan Rice

Arsenal are favourites to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United ahead of London and Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs in CaughtOffSide.

The well-known and well-respected journalist has claimed that both Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on securing the services of England international midfielder Rice from London and Premier League rivals West Ham.

However, according to Jacobs, the Gunners are the favourites.

Jacobs said: “So there are a few variables here to consider. Firstly, if Brighton do make Europe Caicedo could yet decide to put a transfer on ice.

“Then the two suitors from January, Arsenal and Chelsea, both want Rice ahead of Caicedo. The Gunners are arguably favourites for the West Ham midfielder, who has spoken glowingly about Mikel Arteta and would prefer to stay in London.

“As I have said many times, Rice will have plenty of suitors and although David Moyes claims he should be worth more than Enzo Fernandez’s British-record fee (£107m), a price tag of £75-80m is what suitors think feasible, especially with West Ham resigned to losing Rice. 

“It’s not to say clubs wouldn’t consider Rice and Caicedo, or whoever misses out on Rice won’t go for Caicedo instead. But there won’t be the same scramble due to other targets available and far more time in the window.”