Real Madrid have reportedly given up their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
Within the last couple of years, Real Madrid have added Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to their squad.
However, with the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos heading towards the latter stages of their career, they are keen to strengthen their midfield.
Rice had been identified as a potential transfer target, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez following his progress.
Perez reportedly made initial attempts to bring Rice to the Santiago Bernabeu in the past, but Los Blancos are now set to pull out of the pursuit.
According to El Nacional, Declan Rice has given his word to join Arsenal in the summer, which has effectively ended Real Madrid's hopes of signing the Englishman.
While Rice is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, Real Madrid are set to turn their attention to other targets, including Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Rice is under contract until June 2024, but he has rejected numerous offers to extend his stay with West Ham.
Having entered the final 18 months of his deal, there is a belief that Rice will leave the Hammers at the end of the season.
Any potential bidder will have to pay a significant fee, with West Ham believed to be looking for a minimum of £80m.
Rice has also been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, after spending seven years in the Blues' academy before joining West Ham.
However, the 24-year-old is allegedly keen on a move to Arsenal, having been impressed with Mikel Arteta's plans for his role in the Arsenal side.
The England international has made 221 appearances for the East London club, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists.
Rice has started all 20 of West Ham's Premier League matches this term, but his side have struggled to match the expectations set by their top-seven finishes in the last two seasons, languishing in 16th place, with one point separating them from the drop zone.
Rice is expected to be involved when West Ham face Derby County in the fourth-round of the FA Cup on Monday. body check tags ::
