West Ham captain Declan Rice is being discussed as a transfer target by Arsenal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist claims a “meeting” was held soon after the Gunners lost out to Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk, with the London club planning out their future transfer strategy:

“So it’s true that Arsenal internally are discussing about Declan Rice. I’m told that right after the Mykhailo Mudryk story, they had a meeting. A meeting planning for the present – [Leandro] Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and more – and the future. And in that meeting, Declan Rice was mentioned also as a possibility, a player they really like.”

It’s not clear whether Romano is suggesting that Arsenal are considering an offer for Rice this month, but it is more likely that they are putting plans in place to table a bid in the summer.

The England international is expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season, with the player having rejected a number of proposals to extend his contract with the Hammers.

In addition to the Gunners, both Chelsea and Manchester United are likely to enter the battle to sign Rice, with West Ham hopeful of receiving a fee in excess of £100m for the 24-year-old.