West Ham brace for Arsenal’s third bid for Declan Rice and believe new offer is imminent

West Ham believe Arsenal‘s third offer for their captain Declan Rice is imminent amid hope the transfer saga is reaching its conclusion.

As of 3pm on Friday afternoon, the Hammers were still waiting on the Gunners’ improved official offer after their most recent bid worth £90million was rejected.

But it is understood that West Ham are aware of Arsenal’s intention to bid again for Rice, who is valued at a minimum £100million by Hammers chairman David Sullivan.

There is an understanding at Arsenal that their next bid will have to be much closer to West Ham’s valuation.

News of Manchester City’s intention to formally table an offer for the 24-year-old, has sharpened the focus for the Gunners to get a deal for their No 1 target over the line as soon as possible.

Arsenal believe they are still in pole position despite Manchester City also entering the race

The Hammers have been expecting an official offer from City for Rice following the decision of Ilkay Gundogan to leave the Etihad this summer ahead of joining Barcelona on a free transfer.

So far, there has been no confirmation of a formal offer from City, though the Hammers have actively been made aware of the Treble winners’ interest in their captain.

Nevertheless, while Arsenal believe they remain in pole position to sign Rice, the spending power City have at their disposal would provide the Gunners with an unwanted problem if the Premier League champions decide to bid.

Arsenal have already committed up to £70million to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea this summer.

Havertz is expected to undergo a medical over the weekend ahead of completing his move across London. The Germany international will earn a minimum £210,000-per-week at the Emirates.

The recent £90m bid for Rice was rejected by the Hammers, who are now braced for another

West Ham chairman David Sullivan placed the £100m price tag on the in-demand midfielder

Arsenal are also trying to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax, while Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is of interest to the Gunners.

They are also focused on trying to rebalance their squad with a number of departures.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, who were both recognised as the club’s first choice central midfielders last season are set to leave.

A number of clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia are interested in Ghana star Partey, while Xhaka is expected to join Bayer Leverkusen once Rice arrives. The futures of Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney are also unclear.

If City decide to bid, their spending power could cause an unwanted problem for Arsenal