Arsenal Make Second Bid For Declan Rice
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Arsenal have made a second bid for Declan Rice, but West Ham are expected to turn down the offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons. The Gunners are getting closer to the figure that the Hammers will accept, which is thought to be at least £100m, but are not there yet.
West Ham’s Response to Arsenal’s Offer
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The Athletic report that West Ham will most likely reject the second proposal as the pursuit for the England midfielder goes on. The first bid for Rice from Arsenal came last week and was worth £80m, so the second is significantly improved, but the north London club will have to come up with more cash. West Ham were reportedly ‘unimpressed’ with the structure of the first bid, with not enough money up front and only reaching £80m when the add-ons were included. These included bonuses if Arsenal win the Premier League and/or Champions League. However, West Ham are doubtful of those eventualities and want a greater guarantee of money.
Competition for Rice’s Signature
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While the Gunners remain favourites to sign the 24-year-old, their haggling risks them being gazumped by the likes of Manchester City, who also hold an interest in the midfielder. Arsenal are working hard to save money where they can as they look to bring in a string of signings over the summer. Rice is their top priority and will be their most expensive signing, if they can get a deal done, but the Gunners are also chasing the likes of Kai Havertz, Romeo Lavia and Jurrien Timber. A second bid has also gone in for Havertz, with Arsenal offering £60m for the German after Chelsea rejected an initial £45m offer.
Conclusion
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The pursuit of Declan Rice will rumble on as Arsenal continue to work towards a deal with West Ham. The Gunners have made a second bid for Rice, but it is not enough to convince the Hammers yet. With Manchester City also interested in the midfielder, Arsenal must act quickly if they want to secure his signature.