Declan Rice Arsenal transfer - West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park in south London on April 29, 2023. - Crystal Palace won the game 4-3. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) — West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park in south London on April 29, 2023. - Crystal Palace won the game 4-3. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United join race for Arsenal’s primary summer target

May 10, 2023

Arsenal face competition from Manchester United for their primary summer target Declan Rice, as the Gunners look to strengthen in three positions.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Times report that Arsenal are facing competition from Manchester United for Declan Rice this summer.

There are certainly plenty of potential suitors for Rice this summer, but Arsenal have the edge over the likes of Chelsea due to their confirmed status as a Champions League club next season.

The Gunners may not have that same advantage over United, who currently sit in the top four.

It’s not impossible Erik ten Hag’s side could still mess up in their attempts to secure Champions League qualification, following consecutive defeats to Brighton and West Ham. Liverpool are just one point back, with a far superior goal difference.

But United still have a game in hand, and their fixtures don’t look particularly challenging on paper. They should be able to finish in the top four, giving them a platform to challenge Arsenal for the signing of Rice.

Arsenal will hope that their talented and youthful side coming off the back of a more impressive league campaign will help to convince Rice to pick them instead. The Gunners sit 18 points ahead of United as it stands.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool speaks with Declan Rice of West Ham United after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool speaks with Declan Rice of West Ham United after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Times add that Arsenal want to bring in a premium defender and attacker in the summer market, as well as a top midfielder like Rice.

Arteta also wants to address the squad’s depth, though that may depend on how many players are sold. It looks like being a busy summer.