West Ham United central midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly 'favouring' a move to Arsenal over Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interest

Arsenal's interest in a summer move for Rice has been previously reported, with West Ham looking for around £70m-£75m to sell him.

He would reportedly like to stay in London, opening the door for the Emirates Stadium outfit alongside rivals Chelsea, while Manchester United are also thought to be admirers.

The Latest: 'Favouring' Arsenal move

Taking to Twitter, journalist Jacob Steinberg says that Rice is 'favouring' a move to Arsenal over Chelsea this summer:

"Declan Rice favouring move to Arsenal over Chelsea as West Ham exit nears."

Expanding in his corresponding article for The Guardian, he adds that the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta is attracting Rice, and Arteta has drawn up plans for where he would fit into his side.

The North London club are 'increasingly confident' of beating Chelsea to his signature, and Rice is 'keen' to test himself in the UEFA Champions League,

The Hammers are hoping to take in more than £100m for Rice, but given his deal at the London Stadium runs out in 2024, they may have to settle for a fee closer to £80m.

The Verdict: Exciting

Signing Rice in the summer would be a big and exciting move for the Gunners, and is testament to how far the club have come this season.

Their 3-2 win at home to Manchester United put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and they are serious contenders to win the league.

Lauded as a ‘monster’, a ‘force of nature’, a ‘leader’ and a ‘serious talent’ by journalist Rob Blanchette, Rice has received a lot of praise in the past, while former England international Paul Parker even claims that the Three Lions hero is the ‘best central midfielder in the country‘.

Rice ranks in the 94th percentile of all midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for pass completion per game, and also 93rd for interceptions (FBRef), so the 24-year-old would be a shrewd addition in the middle of the park.