Arsenal target Declan Rice spotted at match with Edu and Josh Kroenke amid summer transfer speculation

While Arsenal are still recovering from the shock of their humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, work is going on behind the scenes to make sure this season's title push in not just a flash in the pan.

Arsenal were thrashed 4-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday night, a result which dealt a major blow to their Premier League title hopes.

Mikel Arteta's side are now just two points ahead of City, having played two games more than their closest challengers.

The Gunners have led the league for the majority of the season and it will be a major disappointment if they fall short in the final months of the campaign.

Arteta is expected to be provided with significant funds in the summer transfer window to build on the success of this season and ensure the club is once again in the mix for trophies next year.

Arteta's top priority in the transfer market is signing at least one new midfielder, with West Ham captain Declan Rice the club's No 1 target.

Rice spotted at the Emirates

Earlier this week, Rice was spotted at the Emirates – the England international attending the FA Youth Cup final between Arsenal and West Ham, which ended in a convincing 5-1 win for the Hammers.

The Telegraph have reported that Rice was in the directors' box alongside former teammate Mark Noble, who is now West Ham's sporting director.

Arsenal's own sporting director, Edu, and the club's co-chair, Josh Kroenke, were also in attendance.

While it is unclear if Rice spoke with Edu and Kroenke, the fact they were all at the match has fuelled speculation the West Ham captain could move to the Emirates this summer.

Rice is under contract with West Ham until 2024 and has rejected the offer an improved long-term deal at the London Stadium.

In addition to Arsenal, Chelsea are also thought to be interested in them midfielder, who played for the west London club at youth level.

Rice has previously expressed his admiration for Arsenal and their style of play under Arteta.

"They are a top team. You can see they are coached incredibly well, have a lot of attacking talent, a young squad and they can go the whole way for sure," Rice said after facing the Gunners earlier this season.

Arsenal may need to break their transfer record to sign the England international, with West Ham expected to demand at least £80m for his signature.