Arsenal are reportedly preparing to submit a club record £92million opening bid to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. The England ace is set to leave the London Stadium this summer given his desire to play Champions League football, and his availability has sparked interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. However, it’s Arsenal that lead the race to sign the midfielder and they’re seeking to strike early in the transfer window to avoid a bidding war.
Mikel Arteta feels his side lacked leadership and physicality in the final weeks of the campaign, and Rice possesses both qualities. The Telegraph report that Arsenal will submit an initial £92m bid for Rice in the hope that West Ham will accept. The Hammers are keen to reinvest and avoiding a prolonged bidding war could help David Moyes get replacements in early in the window. However, West Ham are said to be seeking more than £100m and are unlikely to accept the Gunners’ first offer.
Granit Xhaka is set to leave the club and has agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen in a £13m deal, which paves the way for Rice to join and he’s said to be keen on a move to the Emirates.