The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are planning a third bid for Declan Rice, after seeing their latest offer of £90m – including add-ons – turned down.
Arsenal had made an initial offer of £80m, and they followed it up with a £90m bid this week, but both were rejected. West Ham are still hoping to receive £100m, with the belief that Manchester City are weighing up a rival offer.
It’s hard to say whether another club is really set to enter the bidding for Rice.
Many reliable reports have hinted at City interest, along with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
But reports of a second club preparing a bid for Rice have emerged repeatedly over the last week or two, and so far they’ve never been followed up with reports of an actual bid being placed.
The Daily Mail confirm that Arsenal will return with a third offer for Rice, with Sami Mokbel writing that Arsenal are willing to meet Rice’s £100m valuation, and their next offer will be closer to that mark.
From Rice’s perspective, he wants to join the Gunners and remains hopeful of a move by the end of the month.
Arsenal and Rice have already largely agreed personal terms, which will be sealed at over £200,000 a week if and when the two clubs agree a fee.
The Telegraph have claimed West Ham are in no rush to sell, with the belief that a club like Manchester City could easily afford the £100m fee they’re asking for.
Rice is currently on holiday, after finally concluding a long season with a couple of games on international duty this week.
The 24-year-old has made 50 appearances for West Ham and 11 appearances for England over the last 12 months.
