Declan Rice transfer 'preference' amid Man City and Arsenal interest and more transfer rumours

Declan Rice would prefer to join Arsenal this summer despite Manchester City preparing to step up their pursuit of the midfielder, according to reports.

Rice looks almost certain to leave West Ham in search of major trophies and a chance to play in the Champions League. The 24-year-old admitted during the World Cup that he was jealous of seeing his England teammates do exactly that, hinting that he could look to make the next step in his career.

Arsenal have long been frontrunners in the battle for Rice but have seen their first two bids rejected. City are also interested in the midfielder, but are yet to table a bid as they assess what their midfield will look like next season.

But according to The Guardian, any offer may fall on deaf ears with Rice thought to prefer Arsenal. The England international would be more likely to start under Mikel Arteta and is thought to be keen on the idea of staying in London.

ALSO READ: Where City stand on Declan Rice transfer amid Arsenal interest

Elsewhere, BILD reports that Bayern Munich would be willing to break an 'iron rule' by offering Kyle Walker a two-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

The German side are said to only offer one-year deals to players over 30, but such is Thomas Tuchel's eagerness to convince the right-back, he is willing to table a longer deal. Walker's future has been the subject of speculation, with the 33-year-old left frustrated at being left out of the biggest games - most notably the Champions League final.

He has 12 months left on his current deal at the Etihad and is thought to be open to signing a new deal and fighting for his place, rather than leaving the blues.