Transfer Talk: Arsenal lead the race for wantaway Rice

Arsenal are leading the race to sign Declan Rice this summer, with the England ace keen to ply his trade in the Champions League.

West Ham's captain has appeared frustrated with the Hammers' form this season and has been unable to drag his team away from the relegation zone.

And Football Insider suggest that Mikel Arteta is quietly confident that he will land the 24-year-old, despite the East London club having a high valuation of the dynamic midfielder.

But further reports from the Daily Star claim that Manchester City will rival the league leaders for Rice, with Rodri's future at the Etihad still uncertain.

Rice was the main driver behind the Irons' incredible run to the Europa League semi-finals last season and was an ever-present in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions line-up at the World Cup in Qatar.

He has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium for some time now but a deal could finally materialise in the summer.

Rice's contract is set to expire in 2024 and it is likely that the Hammers will want to squeeze every last bit of value out of their midfield anchor.

But should David Moyes' men suffer relegation at the end of the season, potential suitors will be able to negotiate a much lower fee for his services.

In other news

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all interested in 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, who will be a free agent in the summer, say talkSPORT.

Reports from Goal have linked Barcelona winger Ansu Fati with a move to Manchester United, but the Spain international has stated that he hopes to remain at the Catalan club for many more years. 

The Times report that David Moyes is set to be sacked if West Ham lose at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Rafael Benitez the frontrunner to replace the Glaswegian coach.