RUMOURS: Arsenal eye move for West Ham youngster

Arsenal are closely monitoring West Ham starlet Declan Rice, according to The Sun.

Seen as one of the most promising young players in England, the 17-year-old centre-back is touted to be on the verge of breaking into Slaven Bilic's first team.

The Gunners, however, are said to be long-term admirers of Rice, who has featured for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 side.

Arsenal will not find negotiations easy, though, as Rice has three years left on his current deal, meaning a sizeable bid would be needed to prise away the Hammers' U23 captain.

One plus from Arsene Wenger's perspective is the fact that West Ham are locked in a relegation battle. Should the Irons go down, sales may be made - which will also interest Manchester United, who are keeping tabs on fellow youngster Reece Oxford.