Arsenal may get a “clear run” to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Chelsea have also been long-term admirers of the England international but Brown believes the Blues’ lavish spending since last summer may compromise their ability to pay the midfielder’s transfer fee:

“Chelsea spent so much money in the last two transfer windows that I don’t think they would have the capacity, shall we say, to sign someone like Declan Rice without a huge fire sale of players simply because they might be in trouble with cost control rules in the Premier League. So, it’s possible that Arsenal get a clear run on Rice this summer, which would be incredible.”

Trusted journalist David Ornstein says Rice could be sold for between £75m and £85m at the end of the season, with the Gunners expected to be among the favourites to secure his signature.

The 24-year-old would be an excellent alternative to Thomas Partey, whose fitness problems mean he can’t be relied upon to play week in, week out.

Rice, in contrast, has not missed a match through injury so far this campaign, having played the full 90 minutes in every Premier League match for the Hammers. It would be a huge coup if he does end up moving to the Emirates in the next few months.