Declan Rice is prepared to snub a move to Bayern Munich to prioritise a Premier League switch

Declan Rice will prioritise a move to the Premier League this summer as he prepares to snub a move to Bayern Munich.

Arsenal are emerging as front-runners in the race to sign West Ham captain Rice ahead of next season, while Manchester United are also interested.

German champions Bayern, managed by Thomas Tuchel, have their own designs on trying to lure the England international away from the London Stadium the summer.

Former Chelsea manager Tuchel has been a long-term admirer of Rice and believes the 24-year-old has all the attributes to be a success in the Bundesliga.

But Mail Sport has learned that Rice prefers to continue playing in England’s top-flight next season, news that arrives as a blow to Bayern’s chances.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan’s starting valuation for Rice is believed to be over £100million with the businessman hopeful of triggering an auction for the club’s midfielder.

Arsenal are set to make an opening offer in the region of £90million for Rice once West Ham have played in their Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next Wednesday.

Rice is understood to be settled in London, which could give the Gunners an advantage over United.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made Rice his No 1 target and has asked the club to focus on landing the midfielder as the their first piece of transfer business this summer.

With Granit Xhaka set to join Bayer Leverkusen ahead of next season, Arteta has identified Rice as the man he wants to replace the Switzerland international in his midfield next season.

Rice and West Ham are aware of Arsenal’s interest. United’s emergence as rivals for Rice could yet scupper Arsenal’s hopes, however.

The Old Trafford club are working with a limited transfer kitty this summer and are already set to commit at least £55million of their budget to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.

However, it is understood that United would consider using players in part-exchange as part of their interest in Rice.

The Hammers have been constantly linked with an interest in United midfielder Scott McTominay, whose current deal expires next summer.