Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that England international Declan Rice 'admires' Arsenal and the feeling is 'mutual' amid recent transfer links.

What’s the word?

During the World Cup, the West Ham United midfielder made it clear that he hopes to soon be playing in the Champions League and so he is expected to leave the club in the near future.

Consequently, a number of Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the player but recent reports in Spanish media also list the Gunners as a potentially interested party.

In a new update on the situation, Jacobs has now explained that a move this winter isn't likely but it could be something to keep an eye out for in the summer.

While speaking as a guest on Curtis Shaw TV, he said (58:23): "Declan Rice really admires Arsenal and what they are doing at the moment and the feeling is quite mutual.

"So there's nothing advanced on the Arsenal end but they don't really need to worry about entering the race just now, because it's only going to take place during the summer.

"So I think it's one to watch after the window shuts. There's definitely some substance in the links but we have to be very clear that Manchester United and Chelsea are further along at the moment."

Midfield upgrade?

With Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk seemingly on their radar right now, it appears as if another exciting player is attracted to the club.

Rice, who is valued at £70 million (as per CIES), certainly looks to be a top player having already racked up 39 international caps with England despite still only being just 23 years of age.

Of course, he is also the West Ham club captain and so could bring some leadership qualities to Mikel Arteta's side. However, it remains to be seen if the Gunners will feel he is worth splashing the cash on.

Seeing as the club already have Thomas Partey in the middle of the park, they may not feel as though Rice is needed. When comparing the two on WhoScored, this season the Arsenal man has a better average match performance rating of 7.20 (compared to 6.90).

However, Rice has been more accurate with his passing and wins more tackles and interceptions per game. Though this may be due to the way the two teams play and control games.

Regardless of that, it will be fascinating to see if Arteta makes a move for the 23-year-old in the summer.