FOOTBALL LONDON
Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United is uncertain, with Arsenal and Manchester City firmly in the race to sign the England international.
football.london understands that Rice is the north London club’s priority target for the transfer summer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his midfield options. Rice will be into the final year of his contract in east London at the end of June, although David Moyes’ side do have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
football.london has now rounded up everything you need to know about the 24-year-old’s future,
Arsenal advantage
Arsenal will sign Declan Rice if they match the figure that West Ham want for the player football.london understands, regardless of Manchester City’s attempts. Suggestions of a bid by the Gunners’ main rivals for Rice, Manchester City, are understood to be premature but that an offer is imminent as is a third from Arsenal.
Man City ‘confident’
Manchester City are confident that they can reach an agreement with West Ham for Declan Rice, according to football transfers expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
The journalist reported: “The arrival of #Rice is approaching for @ManCity: confidence for the definitive agreement with @WestHam.”
Man City preparing Rice approach
Manchester City are preparing a bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice, football.london understands.
A £90million bid sent by Arsenal was rejected earlier this week but the Gunners are expected to return soon with an offer that will come close to West Ham’s £100million valuation.
West Ham reject £90m offer
Arsenal have seen their second bid for Declan Rice rejected by West Ham, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The Gunners’ second formal offer was worth £90million, with a £75million upfront fee and a further £15million available in add-ons, but the Hammers are standing firm on their £100million valuation.
Record bid readied
Arsenal are set to make a second bid for Rice but the value will remain under £100million, football.london understands.
The move would be a club-record for the Gunners if it were to go through, with the current holder of that title being Nicolas Pepe at £72million.
