Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Chelsea’s long-standing target Declan Rice this summer in a blow to the Stamford Bridge camp.
Rice is understood to be keen on leaving the West Ham fold over the coming summer to seek a move elsewhere as some of England’s biggest clubs remain interested in his signature.
Chelsea, where Rice broke through the academy ranks before being released, have long been keeping tabs on the England midfielder who has grown into one of the top players in his position across the Premier League.
According to a report from football.london, however, the Blues could be pipped to the coveted transfer by the league’s table toppers Arsenal who are at the front of the queue for the 24-year-old with the Gunners all but certain to boast Champions League football next season.
The Blues, meanwhile, face the growing prospects of missing out on European club football next term which will play spoilsport to their plans of recruiting top talents from the transfer market.
