West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice reportedly still favours a transfer to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
Rice has established himself as one of the best players in his position in European football since coming through the academy ranks at the Hammers.
The England international has contributed 12 goals and 13 assists from 234 appearances, but it is an open secret that the 24-year-old is keen to move elsewhere.
Rice has acknowledged on more than one occasion that he is keen to make the step up to Champions League football having spent the last two years participating in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
West Ham manager David Moyes has consistently stated that Rice will cost in excess of £100m when he is sold, breaking a British transfer record in the process.
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However, Rice is only tied to the London Stadium until 2024, with West Ham possessing the option to extend those terms for an extra 12 months, and the expectation is that he will be sold later this year.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have remained as the strong favourites to sign Rice should they choose to follow up their initial interest.
The report suggests that the admiration from the Gunners is the 'most advanced' and the North Londoners will be able to offer Champions League football.
Newcastle have allegedly entered the race, though, and seemingly intend to test the waters should they also achieve a spot at European football's top table.
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The Magpies will consider putting together a lucrative proposal for West Ham and Rice if they opt to take a more adventurous step to their spending in the summer.
Newcastle are keen to avoid any issues with FFP and only finishing in the top four of the Premier League table may encourage them to show even greater ambition when it comes to strengthening their squad.
Chelsea have always remained as an option to Rice due to his previous affinity to them during his childhood, but the Blues' Champions League ambitions for this and next season could be ended on Tuesday night.
Rice is currently preparing for the second leg of West Ham's Europa Conference League quarter-final with Gent, the clubs locked at 1-1 on aggregate.
Darren Plant
