A Saudi club has left Arsenal nowhere to go over Declan Rice and it plays right into West Ham’s hands amid negotiations.
The battle between Arsenal and Manchester City to sign Declan Rice from West Ham has been making all the headlines in the early days of the summer transfer window.
After months of speculation Arsenal submitted a formal bid for the Hammers captain on Thursday.
But it was miles short of West Ham’s £100m plus valuation and was rejected out of hand by the Hammers board.
Reports have emerged since that Manchester City are now lurking with serious intent. And Manchester United are said to be desperate to enter the bidding too.
Saudi club leave Arsenal nowhere to go over Declan Rice and it plays right into West Ham’s hands
Arsenal are still the favourites to sign the West Ham talisman and are said to be preparing their second bid.
Previously the Gunners had a genuine Plan B up their sleeves in the shape of Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
Just last week there was a report in The Sun that super agent Jorge Mendes was speaking to Arsenal over a potential deal for the midfielder.
And just last month reports abound that Arsenal had been ‘rejected’ by Neves with the player being lined up by Barcelona.
That never materialised, though, and with Neves for sale it gave Arsenal another hand to play in the game of poker with the Hammers hierarchy over the deal for Rice.
But now a Saudi club has left Arsenal nowhere to go over Rice and it plays right into West Ham’s hands.
Hammers have Gunners right where they want them in Rice poker game
Because somewhat out of the blue overnight Wolves agreed a £47m deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for the Portugal midfielder.
Sky Sports broke the story and say personal terms are ‘not expected to be an issue’.
Arsenal target Neves had expressed his desire to play Champions League football.
But unless the player no rejects the move or the Gunners match that offer then Neves will be off the table as an option.
And that plays right into West Ham’s hands as Arsenal are slowly but surely being left with all their eggs in one basket with regards to Rice.
West Ham know Arsenal have no real alternatives now and the London rivals must either come up with the asking price or seriously risk missing out to one of the Manchester clubs.
Whether Arsenal will admit it or not, West Ham have the Gunners right where they want them in the Rice negotiations.
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