Arsenal are making contingency plans should they miss out on Declan Rice, with Manchester City set to rival them for the West Ham captain.

Monaco star Youssouf Fofana has emerged as a potential backup option for the north London side as £100m-rated Rice decides his future this summer.

L’Equipe report the Gunners have joined Newcastle in pursuing the 24-year-old and could launch a move for Fofana if they are beaten to Rice’s signature.

The Frenchman is valued at around £30m by the Ligue 1 outfit and would represent a low-cost alternative if Rice rejects them for the treble winners.

However, the Hammers and Newcastle have also identified the 24-year-old Frenchman.