Arsenal chiefs are confident they are leading the race for the services of talented West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. The Englishman has repeatedly refused to sign a contract renewal with his current club, and it seems that an exit is just a matter of time. The leaders of West Ham value the player's card at the figure of 100 million pounds and it is thought that they are ready to take advantage of the player's services.
The 24-year-old has an active contract with West Ham until 2025 and the club's leaders do not want to risk losing him for nothing. Vet Rice has not hidden his desire to play for a bigger team, showing his ambition to win trophies regularly and to triumph in the Champions League.
Arsenal have put themselves in "pole position" to secure the services of Rice, and a great deal of credit for this goes to coach Mikel Arteta. The Londoners are second in the league, have an incredible generation of promising talent and will be playing in the Champions League next season. Moreover, Rice will have the starting place in Arteta's team safe.
Personal terms between player and club are not expected to be a problem, as Arsenal are poised to make Rice one of the highest-paid stars at the Emirates. Rice currently earns around £60 a week at West Ham, and the midfielder could easily quadruple that figure if he signs for Arsenal.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in the Englishman, but Arsenal appear to have a clear strategy for Rice's role in the team, as well as a genuine plan to win trophies in the future.