By Noel Whelan

22nd Jan, 2023 | 5:35am

Arsenal tipped to complete Declan Rice swap deal after 'sensational' news - pundit

Noel Whelan has claimed Arsenal are now in a “really strong position” to beat rivals Man City and Chelsea to England star Declan Rice in the summer window.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted there is “no doubt” that Mikel Arteta’s side will be playing Champions League football next season – something the 23-year-old has been vocal about needing.

According to The Guardian (16 January), Arsenal will make Rice their top summer target and are optimistic of beating London rivals Chelsea to his signature.

Sources told Football Insider on 7 January that the Irons would be willing to swap their star man for Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips plus cash in a sensational summer deal – with Man City one of the other sides monitoring the midfielder.

Rice is out of contract in June 2024 and has gone public with his desire to play in the Champions League and compete for trophies at the highest level.

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League and are edging towards a first title since 2003.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “There are many options for Rice.

“But West Ham have been interested in Kalvin Phillips, and they’ll be looking to fill the void if Rice does leave.

“Phillips isn’t going to force Rodri out, so there might be a deal done there.

“But Arsenal are in a really strong position to negotiate terms. They will be in the Champions League – at least – there’s no doubt about that.

“They don’t really have a player like him. I think he would just add that next level of quality to their midfield and help them stay on top. There could be a swap deal, a player exchange, to get it over the line.”

In other news, expert issues worrying Gabriel Jesus claim after Arsenal update – “all of a sudden…”