Arsenal and Manchester City Battle for Declan Rice
Arsenal are determined to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer, despite a rival move from Manchester City. The Gunners have already had two bids rejected, but are preparing a third offer to get closer to the Hammers’ asking price of £100m.
West Ham’s Asking Price
West Ham are demanding a guaranteed fee of £100m for Rice, with the fee to be paid in fewer instalments. The Gunners’ second offer was believed to be worth around £90m, with around £15m made up of add-ons and payable over a number of years. This offer was rejected by the Hammers, prompting Manchester City to make a rival move.
Manchester City’s Interest
Manchester City have yet to lodge an official bid for Rice, but they are expected to get closer to West Ham’s asking price. This has put the pressure on Arsenal to return with an improved offer of their own. According to The Mirror, the Gunners are ready to make a third bid that will get closer to the £100m fixed fee West Ham want.
West Ham Chairman Confirms Rice Can Leave
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has already confirmed that Rice can leave if a suitable offer is received. He said: ‘We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.’
Arsenal’s Confidence of Signing Rice
Arsenal are quietly confident of beating City to Rice’s signature and have put a lot of ground work into convincing the midfielder to move to north London. The 24-year-old is happy and settled in the capital and reluctant to uproot his young family, which plays into Arsenal’s favour.
Conclusion
Arsenal and Manchester City are both vying for the signature of Declan Rice this summer, with West Ham demanding a fixed fee of £100m for the midfielder. The Gunners have already had two bids rejected, but are preparing a third offer that will get closer to the Hammers’ asking price. Meanwhile, City are expected to make an improved bid of their own. Arsenal are confident of signing Rice due to his reluctance to uproot his young family from London. It remains to be seen which club will win the race for the 24-year-old’s signature.