Arsenal are preparing to lead the bidding for West Ham’s Declan Rice as the midfielder’s departure from the London club appears increasingly likely.

Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur's Tottenham Hotspur's Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur’s Tottenham Hotspur’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

West Ham planning for Rice departure

As West Ham’s influential midfielder Declan Rice edges closer to a summer departure, the London club is preparing for life without their captain.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a key player for both his club and country, attracting interest from top Premier League teams.

Potential replacements eyed

The Hammers are reportedly considering several players as potential replacements for Rice, including Bristol City’s Alex Scott, PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare, and Manchester City’s Carlos Borges.

West Ham scouts have been actively monitoring these players, with a keen interest in the promising 19-year-old Scott, nicknamed the “Guernsey Grealish.”

Arsenal leading the race

Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Declan Rice, as they prepare to make a bid in the summer.

Manchester United had reportedly previously offered £100 million for Rice, but the Gunners are now looking to steal the spotlight and secure his services.

Arsenal confident of Rice deal as West Ham accept he’ll leave

The news that West Ham are expecting Rice to leave this summer is not new. Last week, it was reported that Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing Rice, with West Ham United accepting his departure this summer.

Rice wants to play in the Champions League, and Arsenal is reportedly his primary target, beating Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City for the England international’s signature.

Wilshere hoping Declan Rice will join Arsenal after talks

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Jack Wilshire and Declan Rice of West Ham enjoy watching the penalty shoot out during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium on August 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: Jack Wilshire and Declan Rice of West Ham enjoy watching the penalty shoot out during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium on August 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Jack Wilshere hopes that Declan Rice will join Arsenal in the summer.

Wilshere, who played alongside Rice at West Ham and is now Arsenal’s U18 head coach, praised Rice’s abilities and believes he would be a perfect fit under Mikel Arteta.

The Guardian reported that Rice is almost certain to leave West Ham this summer, with Arsenal being the favourites to sign him. However, Rice’s transfer could cost between £75m and £85m.

Declan Rice huge Mikel Arteta admirer

Rice is also reportedly a “huge admirer” of Mikel Arteta and his work at Arsenal.

With less than 18 months left on his contract and unwilling to renew, Arsenal are prepared to increase his weekly salary to around £200,000.

Arsenal’s likely Champions League qualification this season should help them cover the transfer fee.