Thomas Tuchel strongly involved as Bayern Munich initiate talks to sign Arsenal target: Reports

Bayern Munich have joined Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

Rice came through the Chelsea academy before joining London rivals West Ham, where he has established himself as one of the most notable defensive midfielders in the world.

Having entered the final 14 months of his deal, Rice has attracted interest from a host of Premier League giants, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United most frequently named.

In a new development, Sky Sports' German reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have expressed interest in signing Rice, with the team's head coach Thomas Tuchel leading the charge.

While the club's management is also said to be convinced that he is the perfect defensive midfielder for them, they are well aware of the Gunners' strong interest in securing his signature.

Rice has previously expressed a desire to play in the UEFA Champions League football next season, saying (via ESPN):

"One hundred percent I want to play in the Champions League. I've been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and you want to look back at what you've won and the biggest games you've played in."

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Arsenal Identify Chelsea's Mason Mount as a midfield target: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly identified Chelsea player Mason Mount as a midfield target during the summer transfer window.

Like Declan Rice, Mount will be in the final year of his contract at the end of the current season. He is said to be in a standoff with Chelsea over a contract extension as he is keen to secure a £200,000-per-week salary package.

According to a report by The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Gunners are keen on securing Mount's signature as Mikel Arteta sees him as a player who can add creativity in a more advanced midfield position.

The report states:

"They also want to add creativity in a more advanced position and that has fuelled the pursuit of Mason Mount — although there is strong competition from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Chelsea will make a final push to extend his terms, which are scheduled to expire in 2024."