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Arsenal remain the most likely club to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice in the summer.
The Hammers captain believes that he needs to leave the London Stadium for the benefit of his long-term career.
He has long been linked with a return to Chelsea, where he began his career until he was released as a 14 year old.
However, with the West London club not having Champions League – or indeed European football of any kind to offer next season – switching to them is looking increasing unlikely.
Newcastle United are another club interested in signing him, but Rice’s preference is to remain in London.
For the Gunners, strengthening midfield is a summer transfer priority and Rice is believed to be top of their summer wish list.
West Ham are aware of the situation, but with their immediate focus the fight to avoid relegation, no meaningful discussions will take place until the season is finished.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.