By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

24th Mar, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Arsenal in pole position to sign Declan Rice after multiple West Ham offers

Arsenal are still in pole position to sign Declan Rice this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Chelsea are still interested in pursuing a deal for Rice but the Gunners are currently leading the race.

The 24-year-old’s preference is to remain in London as he prepares to quit West Ham in the summer.

The midfielder’s current contract at the London Stadium runs until 2024 that includes the option of a further 12 months.

The England international has already rejected multiple new contract offers for the Hammers, including an eight-year deal worth £83million that would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

But Rice has repeatedly made clear his ambitions to play for a big club that is competing in the Champions League and fighting at the top of the table.

Arsenal are currently on course for their first Premier League win since the 2003-04 season and are almost certain to be competing in the Champions League next season.

Rice has made 34 appearances for David Moyes’ side across all competitions this season and has scored two goals and provided four assists in those outings.

But his presence in the team hasn’t prevented them from languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table as the end of the season nears.

The Irons are 18th in the table but only one point from safety although they still have to face the league leaders as well as Man United and Man City before the season draws to a close.

The Hammers are also through to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League where they face Gent next month (13 April).

In other news, Kieran Maguire praises ‘clever’ West Ham deal after £7m-a-year deal agreed.