Arsenal will “have to be fast” if they want to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist claims that the treble winners made an enquiry about Rice on Friday and the Gunners are now scrambling to get a deal done:

“As for Declan Rice, with Rice Manchester City once again asked for information on Friday for the situation. So (the same with Kai Havertz), Arsenal have to be fast.”

The Citizens are clearly interested in Rice but you do wonder whether they will make a concerted effort to secure the 24-year-old’s signature.

Are City prepared to break their transfer record to sign Rice?

Reports suggest that West Ham want around £120m for their club captain, which means that Pep Guardiola’s side would have to pay more than the £100m they paid for Jack Grealish.

There is a solution that could reduce the cost of the transfer, though. The Hammers are known to be interested in Kalvin Phillips and including the midfielder in an offer for Rice may be considered.

Arsenal do remain the favourites to snap up Rice

The Gunners have already laid the groundwork for the deal, having made a lot of headway in terms of getting the approval of the player. It is believed that Rice has made the Emirates his top destination, as things stand.

That could, of course, change if other clubs do enter the fray. Chelsea and Manchester United may also try to muscle in on negotiations but you would think that City would have the greatest pulling power, considering their current stature.

There is a concern that Rice may still prefer to remain in London but if wants to win trophies on a regular basis, as well as play in the Champions League, the Etihad Stadium should be his number one choice.