Topics: Arsenal, Declan Rice, Premier League, West Ham United, Mikel Arteta, Champions League, Transfers
Arsenal are 'increasingly confident' of completing a deal for West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, according to reports - and they can now offer him exactly what he wants.
The England international has been one of the top midfielders in the Premier League in his role for a number of seasons, utilising his athleticism, defensive ability and passing range to become one of the most complete midfielders in the division.
He showcased his athletic talents during West Ham's 4-1 win over Gent last month, picking up the ball on the halfway line before racing through on goal and firing an effort into the bottom corner.
If you needed an example of what Rice is about as a player, the 24-year-old certainly provided it in that moment.
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Rice will face a major career decision this summer, with the midfielder having been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United in recent months.
As early as January, reports from The Times claimed Rice was Arsenal's top target for the summer, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to add new faces to his midfield.
And a new report claims that the Gunners are now 'increasingly confident' of bringing him in - and his past quotes on a potential transfer only add fuel to the fire.
Speaking whilst on England duty in March, the midfielder confirmed that his future goal was to play in the Champions League - citing how players 'only get one career'.
He still has the opportunity of playing in the Europa League for David Moyes' Hammers next season, should they win the Europa Conference League, but the allure of playing in the top continental competition for Arsenal may prove too much.
He said (quotes via Daily Mirror): "One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years, I've been saying that.
"I've been playing consistently well for my club, and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
"I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career, and at the end, you want to look back at what you've won and the biggest games you've played in."
Arsenal may have dropped off the top of the Premier League table for the first time since February as a result of their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week, but they have now mathematically secured qualification for next season's Champions League.
The Gunners haven't played in the competition since 2017. But with the Mirror also claiming that Arteta plans to hold talks with Rice over a move as soon as the season ends, they could enter the group stage with one of England's top stars amongst their ranks.
