Bayern Munich are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for the signature of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, with manager David Moyes recently admitting that there is a "good chance" the Hammers captain will seek pastures new.
Rice has spent his entire senior career with West Ham, making 241 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2017 and he is hoping to lead the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory later this season.
However, the England international has aspirations of playing in the Champions League, and Arsenal are believed to be one of the frontrunners for his signature.
The Gunners, who have qualified for Europe's premier club competition for the first time in six years, are keen to bolster their options in midfield ahead of the new campaign, with Mikel Arteta allegedly ready to open talks over a £90m summer transfer.
© Reuters
Arsenal are believed to be prepared to sell as many as 11 players this summer to generate funds, including midfielder Granit Xhaka who is reportedly in advanced talks over a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have also been credited with an interest in Rice, with one report claiming that Erik ten Hag has identified the midfielder as his number one summer transfer target.
However, according to German news outlet Bild, Bayern Munich are the latest club to register their interest in West Ham's No.41.
The report adds that head coach Thomas Tuchel views Rice as an ideal player to operate at the base of his midfield, which can allow Joshua Kimmich to advance further forward.
© Reuters
Former Chelsea boss Tuchel, who took the reigns at Bayern in March, is hoping to fend off competition from Arsenal in the race for Rice, who is valued by West Ham at around £100m.
Rice has just over a year remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium, although West Ham are understood to have the option to trigger an extension until June 2025.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern will prioritise a summer swoop for Rice as they are also thought to be on the hunt for a new centre-forward to fill the void left behind by Robert Lewandowski, who now plies his trade at Barcelona.
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen are two strikers who have been strongly linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, although both players are said to be valued by their respective clubs at around £100m.
