Arsenal are reportedly hoping to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United, with Manchester City bowing out of the chase.
Apparently, Arsenal have submitted a club-record record bid of £105 million for Declan Rice. But a report from 90min claims that West Ham United are not prepared to accept the proposal. The Hammers want Arsenal to change the structure of their bid and offer more money upfront.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City as well. But Fabrizio Romano claims that the Citizens have now cooled their interest in the midfielder.
Declan Rice wants to join a club in the Champions League this summer, and a move to Arsenal would be an exceptional opportunity for him. The Gunners managed to secure Champions League qualification, and they pushed Manchester City for the league title as well.
A move to Arsenal would allow Rice to continue living in London as well. The midfielder has previously been linked with his former club Chelsea. But it seems that the Blues are not keen on bringing him back to the club. And Manchester City have also bowed out of the race to sign the English international.
Manchester City will NOT match Arsenal bid for Declan Rice. Decision made — as they are set to pull out of the race at the current conditions 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Arsenal were very confident last night… and they remain very confident today, working on structure of the deal with West Ham. pic.twitter.com/e5HrMrKDVG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
Arsenal need to bring in midfield reinforcements, especially with players like Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey being linked with moves away this summer. Rice has established himself as a reliable performer in the Premier League, and he helped West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference league last season.
He will want to make his mark at the highest level now and will look to do well in the Champions League with Arsenal next season. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners are ready to restructure their bid and secure an agreement with West Ham. The 24-year-old midfielder is still relatively young and is likely to get better with experience and coaching.
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He could develop into a world-class performer for Arsenal in the foreseeable future. Rice will add ball-winning ability, defensive cover, physicality and drive to the Arsenal midfield. The Gunners should look to bring in a quality partner for him as well. Arsenal will want to win the league title next year and players like Rice will certainly help them bridge the gap with Manchester City.
