Arsenal remain the favourites to sign Declan Rice this summer, but Newcastle United also have the midfielder on their radar.

TalkSPORT report that Arsenal remain Declan Rice’s most likely destination this summer, with the player excited by the prospect of the move and the Gunners’ interest the most advanced.

But Newcastle United have also now joined the race. TalkSPORT claim there’s an “outside possibility” of a swoop from Newcastle, though it would require them to move away from their cautious approach to recent windows.

Newcastle are wary of breaching FFP rules, and West Ham are looking for a fee of up to £100m for Rice, so the move may be a long shot for them.

Recent reports suggested there have already been back-channel overtures between Arsenal and Rice, and personal terms are viewed as easy to sort.

Agreeing on a deal with West Ham obviously remains the primary obstacle, and the Hammers aren’t open to discussing a sale yet.

Rice wants to compete in the Champions League next season, which seems to have significantly aided Arsenal’s pursuit compared to other potential suitors like Chelsea.

Chelsea would likely need to win the Champions League to make it back in for next season, given their poor position in the Premier League.

The Blues are currently 2-0 down to Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie, and even if they make it past Madrid with an unlikely big victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, they’d then probably face Manchester City in the semi-finals.

Their chances are slim at best, whilst Arsenal are on the verge of qualification. There may still be other suitors like Newcastle, but the Gunners have ensured they’ll be among the front-runners.