Arsenal are now starting to get worried as they try to sign 'underrated' player

Arsenal are starting to get worried that their move for West Ham United captain Declan Rice might be hijacked.

That’s according to a report from The Sun who outline more of the details on their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

It’s been clear for some time that the Gunners want to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates this summer.

The England international has made his desire to play Champions League football clear this season.

After a difficult season at the London Stadium, Rice still has a few important games to play.

West Ham aren’t safe in the Premier League yet, although it would be a surprise to see them relegated from this position.

They also have a huge Europa Conference League semi-final to concentrate on this evening.

Arsenal are desperate to sign Rice but are worried other teams might try and steal a march on them.

It wouldn’t be the first time this season one of their rivals has beaten them to a signing.

Arsenal worried over Rice pursuit

The report from The Sun suggests that Arsenal are worried about being priced out of a deal for the ‘underrated’ midfielder.

They believe Arsenal wanted to pay ‘around £80m for Rice and offer him a five-year contract worth up to £300,000 a week.’

However, West Ham are hoping a bidding war will break out that sees that figure potentially rise to £130m.

Arsenal are now worried they could face a similar situation with Rice to their attempts in January to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Despite being the team who looked most likely to bring in the young Ukrainian, Chelsea trumped their bid at the last second.

The Blues also have an interest in Rice and plenty of money to spend in the summer.

Mikel Arteta will hope that Champions League football next season is enough to sell Rice on a move to The Emirates.

The 24-year-old fits the club’s identity perfectly and would walk into Arteta’s starting line-up.

It’s a move that makes sense for all parties this summer.

That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen though.