Arsenal could enter Declan Rice transfer battle with West Ham ‘to accept fee close to £70m and star wanting London move’

ARSENAL could enter the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, according to reports.

The midfielder has been on the wishlist of a number of top clubs for some time but the Hammers have refused to let him go.

ReutersArsenal could try to sign Declan Rice[/caption]

But with 18 months remaining on his contract and having turned down a new deal, Rice could be heading off.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with his signature but according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the Gunners could also make a move.

Manchester United are also considering a bid for Rice, who could be sold for closer to £70million.

West Ham previously demanded £100m to let the England star leave.

Liverpool are another club in the race to sign Rice, with the Irons said to be resigned to losing him in the summer.

Jacobs claims Rice would prefer a London move having been born and raised in the capital – he also played for Chelsea at youth level.

But Hammers boss David Moyes is desperate to keep Rice and is hopeful the midfielder will decide to stay at the London Stadium.

He said: “He wants to win and he wants to play for a really good side, which is going to give him that opportunity to do so.

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“We hope that we can reach the Champions League — it is looking difficult at this moment in time but we are not just going to roll over and let Dec walk out of the building, that is for sure. It is going to be a big fight.”

Rice won’t be sold in the upcoming January transfer window, but West Ham could cash in on him in the summer.

Chelsea are believed to be leading the race to sign Rice but are in the process of completing a deal for another midfielder, Enzo Fernandez.