Declan Rice will once again be the subject of much transfer speculation in the summer. Particularly given West Ham's struggles in the Premier League this season.
The England international will want to perform at the highest level possible and has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the last few transfer windows. Rice started his career at Stamford Bridge and is best friends with Mason Mount - hence the links.
However, a new club have entered the fray for his signature, with Arsenal reported to be keen on signing the midfield man. football.london understands he is the Gunners' priority target this summer, although Leicester City star Youri Tielemans is still being monitored.
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But in order to sign Rice, Arsenal need Champions League football at the Emirates Stadium. That is, at least, according to former Gunner Emmanuel Frimpong.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League after 20 games and 11 points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, so Champions League football does not look like being a problem for next season. But they must keep it going in order to sign the very best players.
Speaking to Midnite.com Frimpong said: "I think Rice is a top, top class player and he proved that in the World Cup. He impressed me more than I thought in the World Cup and he showed me that he had very good technical abilities, good awareness and has good pace to recover when needed.
"I feel that, in an Arsenal shirt and with better players around him, he will be able to flourish. So we need to get into the Champions League to be able to attract players like Rice. Who wouldn’t want to play in the Champions League in London, for Arsenal?"
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