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Featured Image Credit: TikTok/WrightyOfficial
Topics: Declan Rice, Ian Wright, Arsenal, West Ham United, Transfers, Football
Joe Adams
Topics: Declan Rice, Ian Wright, Arsenal, West Ham United, Transfers, Football
Arsenal transfer target Declan Rice has been spotted chatting with Gunners legend Ian Wright amid speculation surrounding his future.
Rice has been at the centre of an ongoing transfer saga after he rejecting multiple contract extensions at West Ham.
The 24-year-old has admitted he wants to play in the Champions League and Arsenal have emerged as potential suitors, with Mikel Arteta reportedly making the midfielder his priority target this summer.
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Arsenal are certainly an attractive destination for any player right now. They are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Champions League football as good as wrapped up for next season.
However, the Gunners face competition from Chelsea who have a long-standing interest in Rice, with the Englishman having previously been enrolled at their academy prior to his move to West Ham.
A top four finish could be out of Chelsea's reach though, with Graham Potter's side languishing in 10th place - 11 points adrift of the top four.
In a boost for Arsenal fans, Rice was spotted catching up with former Gunners striker Wright at St George's Park, adding fuel to the speculation he could be on the move to the Emirates this summer.
It comes after the West Ham captain was filmed welcoming Bukayo Saka to the England camp, joking that the Arsenal man wouldn't want to speak to his teammates after video calling Kim Kardashian.
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Aaron Ramsdale was also in attendance at training, and Arsenal fans will hope the pair can persuade Rice to join them in north London.
The Times claim that West Ham would demand £80m for Rice, who has been identified as Granit Xhaka's long-term successor.
Whilst the Hammers are said to be 'resigned' to losing their prized asset.
CBS' Ben Jacobs stated: "West Ham [are] pretty resigned to losing Declane Rice this summer.
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"Rice said at the World Cup he was envious of England teammates playing [in the Champions League]. Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal & Chelsea, will try to sign him."
Rice will hope to start when England face Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples on Thursday evening.
The Three Lions will then face Ukraine in another qualifier at Wembley on Sunday.