Arsenal will “submit a proposal” for West Ham captain Declan Rice after the Europa Conference League final next week, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian reporter claims that the England international is a “priority” target for the Gunners and a formal offer will be tabled within a matter of days:

“Arsenal are still confident on this deal. Arsenal are having conversations on this deal because they want Declan Rice, he’s the priority. He’s a target for the club. There is one important thing to say, Arsenal after the Conference League final will submit a proposal to West Ham, this is the feeling.”

“Arsenal want to attack the situation after the final. Why after the final? To respect West Ham, they know nothing will happen before the Conference League final, so it makes no sense to negotiate now. West Ham are 100% focused on the final but right after the game against Fiorentina there will be a bid.”

It has been reported by other sources that Arsenal will make a bid of around £90m for Rice but it remains to be seen whether that would be accepted by West Ham.

The Hammers are said to be holding out for around £1oom to £120m so much could depend on whether any sort of add-ons are included in the Gunners’ proposal.

Arsenal face transfer battle for Rice

Bayern Munich are believed to be pushing very hard to secure Rice‘s signature, with the German press claiming that manager Thomas Tuchel has even held face-to-face talks with the midfielder.

The Bundesliga champions are reportedly prepared to make a €100m (£87m) bid for the midfielder, but that is unlikely to be enough to get a deal done.

Other teams, including Chelsea and Manchester United, have also been credited with an interest in Rice but, from the looks of things, Arsenal are currently leading the race. The battle to sign the player is likely to ratchet up once the Gunners formalise their interest after next Wednesday.