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

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.

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.