Arsenal given biggest Declan Rice boost yet as West Ham 'transfer plan revealed'

West Ham are plotting a transfer move for a new midfielder this summer, according to reports, as Arsenal prepare to swoop for Declan Rice.

Rice came through the Hammers academy and has made over 200 appearances for the club, but the 24-year-old could be set to move on this summer.

His links with Arsenal date back to January, and have only grown in recent months as the midfielder continues to impress onlookers both in the Premier League and in European competition.

The Daily Mirror claim that Arsenal are 'increasingly confident' of getting a deal done this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta set to open talks with the player at the end of the current season. It is said that the Spaniard believes he can convince Rice to join the north London club.

The Gunners are guaranteed to play Champions League football next term for the first time since 2017, which will likely give them an edge over fellow suitors Chelsea.

Now, the latest report regarding West Ham's transfer plans have given Arsenal a further boost.

West Ham 'identify transfer priority'

According to Football Insider, David Moyes' side will make the signing of a new midfielder one of their priorities during the upcoming transfer window.

It is claimed that the Hammers are preparing for the possibility of their club captain leaving the club. If he does depart this summer, the London club will need a replacement.

The report states that West Ham are 'beginning to finalise their shortlist of midfield targets', and their hopes of landing a high-profile signing will be boosted by securing European football.

They can do so by winning the Europa Conference League, which would secure a passage into next season's Europa League.

If that does happen, it remains to be seen whether Rice would be convinced to stay at the London Stadium for one more season - but he has already publicly admitted his desire to play Champions League football.