Arsenal have been boosted in their pursuit of Declan Rice as the West Ham United captain 'would definitely be interested in a move' to the Emirates Stadium, journalist Pete O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
The Gunners are firmly in pole position to get their hands on the Premier League title and Mikel Arteta could look to freshen up his squad ahead of the January transfer deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Arsenal transfer news - Declan Rice
According to The Times, Arsenal have made Rice their top target ahead of the summer and are growing in confidence that they can beat Chelsea to his services.
The report suggests the England international could be at the centre of a bidding war, which also involves Manchester United, but the Gunners feel they are in a strong position to strike a deal worth close to £80million due to their status as the current Premier League leaders.
There is uncertainty over Rice's long-term future as his £62,000-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024, although West Ham have an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months.
In a potential boost for Arsenal, the central midfielder has also indicated he is keen to leave the London Stadium as he is desperate to fight for trophies and to compete in the Champions League.
Respected journalist Rudy Galetti recently told GiveMeSport that the Gunners have already made contact over a potential move for Rice.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about Rice?
O'Rourke believes Rice would be keen to complete a move to Arsenal if they firm up their interest in the summer.
The journalist feels the north Londoners' expected return to Europe's elite club competition makes a switch to the Emirates Stadium an attractive proposition.
O'Rourke told GiveMeSport: "We know Champions League football is a big attraction for all the top players right now.
"Declan Rice admitted that, during the World Cup with England, he wants to be playing in the Champions League and competing for honours.
"Arsenal do seem to be going in the right direction under Mikel Arteta, so it's an exciting project for all top players right now.
"I think Declan Rice would definitely be interested in a move to Arsenal if they were to make a move for him."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Rice be a good signing for Arsenal?
According to FBref, Rice has averaged more tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90 minutes than current Arsenal duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey this season.
That emphasises the 24-year-old could make the table-toppers even more difficult for opponents to break down, while he also boasts a better pass completion ratio.
Rice may still be in the early stages of his career, but he has already made 187 Premier League appearances, which will be an additional attraction for Arteta as he looks to bolster his squad.
He is also capable of contributing in the final third of the pitch, having scored 11 goals and registered a further 12 assists in 221 West Ham outings.
Pundit Tony Cascarino has previously described Rice as 'admirable' and, with that being the case, Arsenal should not hesitate in heading to the negotiating table.
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here