"I'm told..." - Romano drops major Rice transfer update as Arsenal 'secret agent' revealed

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on Declan Rice’s West Ham future, with the player reportedly being pursued by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Gunners have been seeking midfield reinforcements throughout the season, and even saw two bids worth up to £70million for Brighton star Moises Caicedo rebuffed in the January window.

The north London club have now reportedly turned their attention to West Ham star Rice, with the player thought to be one of Mikel Arteta’s priority targets for the summer window.

The England international’s West Ham deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024, with the player’s future looking increasingly likely to reside at a club competing in the Champions League.

To that end, Rice has rejected multiple lucrative contract offers at West Ham, and publicly admitted he wants to test himself at a higher level.

Indeed, West Ham boss David Moyes has claimed Rice is likely to cost more than the British record £106.8million transfer fee Chelsea paid to sign Enzo Fernandez in the January window.

Romano gives Rice update

In his Daily Breifings for Caught Offside, Romano claimed there is a very good chance Rice will leave West Ham this summer.

The transfer guru explained: “I’m told Declan Rice has very, very good chances to leave in the summer.

“The project at his next club is absolutely crucial for Rice, he wants to win titles and to feel like an important player. He doesn’t want a big club and then only sit on the bench. He wants to be an important player.

“I love Rice. In my opinion, he’s a top top player. I’m sure he will be a regular starter wherever he decides to go.”

Arsenal’s secret agent

The Mail Online claimed Arsenal are using Jack Wilshere as a “secret agent”, to help lure Rice to the Emirates this summer.

Rice and Wilshere allegedly formed a good relationship during their time playing together at West Ham and have remained close ever since.

The publication claims the “Wilshere-factor” could help influence Rice to sign for Arteta’s side.

Topics: Football, Declan Rice, Arsenal, West Ham United, Transfers, Chelsea, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United, Jack Wilshere

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.