By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

1st Jun, 2023 | 10:00am

Revealed: Big update on Arsenal's first Declan Rice bid after Tuchel talks - sources

Arsenal are still leading the race to sign Declan Rice despite interest from Bayern Munich, sources have told Football Insider.

Rice is keen to stay in the UK amid interest from the German club and the Gunners are confident about getting a deal done this summer.

The 24-year-old has spoken to Bayern boss and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as the Bundesliga champions step up their pursuit of the England international.

Rice’s contract runs until 2024 but includes the option of an extra 12 months and West Ham are holding firm on their £100million asking price with Arsenal’s initial bid set to be £85m, as revealed by this site.

On Monday (29 May), Football Insider revealed that the Hammers captain has told friends he has played his last league match for David Moyes’ side with the Europe Conference League final set to be his last game for the club.

Rice has made 49 appearances for the Irons across all competitions this season, with five goals and four assists in those outings and is set to be the subject of massive transfer interest in the upcoming window.

Although Mikel Arteta’s side are leading the race, with Rice keen to remain in London, they face competition from Man United, Man City and Chelsea, as well as Bayern Munich.

Earlier this month (2 May), this site revealed that West Ham are in the market for a new midfielder this summer as they prepare for a future without Rice.

In other news, Arsenal ‘happy’ to sell defender to Newcastle soon.