Arsenal hold positive transfer talks with Declan Rice ahead of opening bid

Arsenal want to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window, and are said to have held positive talks in recent days

Arsenal have held positive talks with West Ham United captain Declan Rice in recent days, according to recent reports.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that recent talks have been going in a positive direction, with the Gunners ahead of Bayern in the race to sign Rice as the player is keen to stay in England. Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week.

"Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days. (White emoji) (Red emoji) #AFC Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England — but timing will be crucial for Arsenal."

Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent midfielders in recent years, combining his elite defensive nous and reading of the game with an impressive penchant to progress the play, both with passing and the ball at his feet. In fact, the 24-year-old carries the ball over 9000 yards in the Premier League last season, a number that only two players bettered, according to fbref.