Arsenal are willing to offer €100 million to sign priority summer target Declan Rice from West Ham United.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal could table €100 million to sign Declan Rice in the summer. West Ham United have been adamant over the years about letting him go. But they could loosen their stance if a reasonable offer comes in the next window.
Declan Rice has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. His performances at the base of midfield for West Ham in many seasons have garnered the attention of many top clubs in the division. And a transfer in the summer seems inevitable.
Rice previously wanted to rejoin Chelsea, a club he left as a youth star. Chelsea could have made their approach in the summer. But their precarious position in the league this season will prevent them from participating in the Champions League next season.
Rice wants to become part of a side in the major European competition, which has given Arsenal the impetus in the race. Mikel Arteta has identified Rice as the key target for the upcoming window, and so far, media reports suggest a move might happen after all.
The Gunners could break their transfer record to sign the 24-year-old English international. Their previous record outlay stands at €80 million, which they paid LOSC Lille for Nicolas Pepe. West Ham manager David Moyes had previously stated it would take a British record bid to sign the midfielder.
As things stand, Chelsea hold that record for the purchase of Enzo Fernandez in January. However, it is unlikely that interested clubs could pay more than that for Rice, meaning West Ham may have to resign themselves for less.
While Arsenal are confident about signing Rice, they could table around €100 million for the midfielder in the summer. Such a price should suffice the Hammers’ demands for their star man. Other clubs could come into the equation for the midfielder. But he may prefer to join Arteta’s squad.
The Gunners are fighting for the Premier League title with Manchester City. And if they win, it will end up attracting more big names to the club. Arteta hopes to wrap up the Rice signing at the earliest, but the transfer size will probably prolong the saga.