There is interest in a possible move for Declan Rice from Arsenal - but nothing to suggest a move is underway, transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed.

What's the word?

News of Arsenal's interest in the West Ham midfielder recently broke as the Gunners eye up the Englishman ahead of the summer.

West Ham are in a relegation battle, and whilst they would be presumably unwilling to part ways with their captain during the season, it seems they are resigned to losing him in the summer due to his impending contract expiry next year.

And speaking to Football FanCast, Jones claimed that there has indeed been interest from Mikel Arteta's side.

He said: "In this exact moment, I'm not really going to play up the Declan Rice to Arsenal rumour because there's nothing in it at the moment.

"It's an idea I think that's been mooted, but I don't think it's gone any further than that. At the moment, Declan Rice is at West Ham, he's committed to getting through this season, and then we'll have to see what he decides."

A statement signing?

If Arsenal, who are currently top of the Premier League, end up winning their first title in nearly 20 years and subsequently return to the Champions League, they can make a big statement if they sign the England international.

Although they are well set in terms of midfield starters in Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, Rice can be the long-term successor to both and provide invaluable depth in both of their positions should he make the move across London.

Chelsea have long been admirers of Rice, but given his desire to play Champions League football, a summer move may be off the cards as Graham Potter's side continues to struggle, so we wonder if Arsenal's 'idea' of signing the midfielder will become more concrete in the weeks and months to come.