Arsenal are set to bid £100 million for Declan Rice after West Ham rejected their first bid for the 24-year-old midfield maestro.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to table an improved offer worth £100 million or more for Declan Rice. The Gunners are keen to wrap up the signing of their priority target and have already had a first bid rejected by West Ham United on Thursday. The 24-year-old is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Declan Rice story continues to develop in the background as Arsenal are pushing hard to get the deal over the line. The Gunners had their opening bid for the 24-year-old midfielder rejected by West Ham on Thursday. But they are ready to return with a fresh offer.
Reliable sources indicated Arsenal had bid £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons for Rice. West Ham are holding out for a lot more, which has led to speculation regarding a fresh offer from the Gunners. The new bid could total £100 million or slightly more, including add-ons.
The major issue with the first rejected bid was Arsenal’s payment structure. The Gunners wanted to spread the money across several years. But the Hammers wanted a big portion up front to make their transfer plans and remain in line with the FFP.
🔴⚪️ | TRANSFERS: Arsenal launch £90m Rice bid.
📰: According to The Mirror (via Daily Mail), Arsenal have made a £90m bid offer to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
🖊️: “The Hammers skipper has emerged as Mikel Arteta's top summer transfer target, and The Mail have… pic.twitter.com/531j32Kaso
— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) June 9, 2023
Now, there is growing confidence that Arsenal will secure their top target’s signing, which could make the 24-year-old the costliest British player ever. The only concern for the Gunners came when David Ornstein suggested Manchester City could potentially look to make an offer for Rice.
Pep Guardiola’s side are not the only team chasing Rice. Manchester United were also in the race before realising they could not afford to sign the midfielder in the current climate. The Red Devils may appear to struggle somewhat with finances, which may alter their initial transfer plans for every targetted position this summer.
Then there was the long-standing interest of Chelsea, who were one of the favorites to bring Rice back to the club for many years. However, their financial situation, plus the midfielder’s desire to play in the Champions League, will prevent a move for the 24-year-old.
Chelsea are already chasing Moises Caicedo as an alternative, although Arsenal also hold an interest in the Brighton star. The Ecuadorian midfielder is not a priority for Mikel Arteta, who continues pushing the Gunners to wrap the Rice deal.
There is growing confidence from all directions that Rice will join Arsenal. The midfielder appreciates the groundwork done by the Gunners over the past six months and may not back out of a potential move unless the north Londoners indicate otherwise.
