On Thursday morning, The West Ham Way broke the news that Arsenal had submitted their opening bid for Declan Rice, but West Ham have turned it down.
The opening offer was believed to be around £80m, with £10m in add-ons, and the same source added that an increased Arsenal offer is likely today or tomorrow.
The West Ham Way added that Manchester City are also keen on Rice, but though the player is aware of City’s interest, he favours a move to Arsenal.
This report was quickly validated by one of the top sources for Arsenal news, David Ornstein.
Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal had made an opening offer to sign Rice, following talks between Arsenal’s Tim Lewis and West Ham’s Karen Brady at the Premier League AGM on Wednesday.
Despite that initial contact, sporting director Edu and director of football operations Richard Garlick are reportedly the ones leading the process.
As mentioned by The West Ham Way, Ornstein reports that Manchester City are also actively exploring an approach of their own, but it seems interest from Chelsea and Manchester United has faded.
Various other sources have since confirmed West Ham’s decision to reject Arsenal’s opening bid, including Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Jason Burt and Sam Dean of The Telegraph, Alex Crook of talkSPORT, and Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail.
The Mail’s piece confirms that Arsenal’s opening offer was around £80m plus £10m in add-ons, with West Ham believing the player is worth £110m.
They’re hoping Manchester City will help to boost the price.
Crook added that Arsenal have indicated they’re willing to go to £100m+, so you’d think a compromise is possible.
The Telegraph write that West Ham are hoping to receive more than £100m including add-ons, but Arsenal remain confident of securing Rice’s signature despite their initial £90m bid being turned down.
West Ham have accepted that Rice will be leaving, it’s just about getting the best deal for him now.
24-year-old Rice made 50 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists from his defensive midfield role.
After helping West Ham to avoid relegation, he captained them to Europa Conference League success over Fiorentina.
Rice is also an England international, making 41 appearances for his country, and he’s currently in training with Gareth Southgate’s squad.
