West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who is a transfer target for Chelsea, is leaning towards a move to Arsenal, according to The Guardian.

Rice, 24, is expected to leave West Ham next summer and has expressed an interest to play in the Champions League.

Rice was released by the Blues – his boyhood club – at 14, but he is reportedly interested in joining the Gunners to play under Mikel Arteta.

Rice reportedly believes he has a better chance of playing regularly at Arsenal than at Chelsea.

Chelsea may also be unable to offer Rice Champions League football next season with the Blues 10th in the Premier League, 10 points behind Manchester United in fourth.

Chelsea may have to win this season’s Champions League to qualify for next term’s tournament. Arsenal are almost certain to qualify by finishing in the top four.

Rice has 18 months left on his contract, but West Ham can automatically extend the deal by a further 12 months.