Arsenal are unwilling to match West Ham’s £100 million valuation of Declan Rice but will come close with an £80-85 million offer.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal could begin negotiations for Declan Rice with an offer lower than West Ham United’s £100 million valuation. The Gunners are willing to fork out £80-85 million, with the midfielder reportedly convinced of their project.
Arsenal will aim to close the Declan Rice transfer as soon as possible. But any move may not be very straightforward. The England international is a player very much in demand, and plenty of top clubs are vying for his signature.
The nature of this transfer dictates the player has more power over his suitors. But Arsenal have been in pole position for long. The Gunners had laid the groundwork on a potential transfer many months ago and remain favourites to land the 24-year-old.
After Wednesday’s UEFA Europa Conference League final, the Gunners could make a formal offer. While Rice is keen to join Mikel Arteta’s side and remains convinced by their project, both London sides are yet to agree on a fee.
The Gunners have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Rice but may dwindle with the overall valuations. West Ham reportedly want £100 million for their star midfielder, but Arsenal are unwilling to pay that sum. The north Londoners are ready to cough up around £80-85 million, which they believe to be the right price.
While everything may favour Arsenal at the moment, Manchester United are waiting in the wings, ready to swoop in if the London sides disagree on a fee. Such is the demand for Rice in this market, with the Red Devils keen to add the Hammers man to their squad.
Similarly, Bayern Munich are also interested, with reports suggesting they are readying a £95 million package. The Bavarians may have come close to West Ham’s £100 million valuations. The larger consensus points to Rice wanting to remain in the Premier League, specifically in London. So Manchester United also have an uphill task.
Moreover, Arsenal are the team that can give him his London dream and Champions League football next season. It is a waiting game in the chase for the 24-year-old, with the Gunners likely to lodge a bid soon after the Europa Conference League Final.
