According to reports, Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of West Ham captain Declan Rice. The 24-year-old midfielder is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, with the Hammers demanding at least £100 million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024. Manager David Moyes recently admitted that there is a good chance that Rice could leave the club at the end of this season, with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer. Bayern Munich were also weighing up a move for the Hammers ace, but it emerged last week that Rice had snubbed a move to Germany. The Athletic has now claimed that Arsenal are leading the chase for Rice, while United are still “keeping abreast of Rice’s situation going into the summer.” However, they also claim that “the fee being quoted and manager Erik ten Hag’s priorities lying elsewhere mean a turnaround is required for a formal approach from Old Trafford” to West Ham.
Rice is currently preparing for what is expected to be his last match for the Hammers in Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina. Meanwhile, United looks to be closing in on landing Mason Mount to bolster their midfield. The academy graduate looks set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer after reportedly agreeing terms with Man United. The Red Devils will have to pay £70 million plus add-ons if they want to sign Mount. Chelsea are prepared to let the England star run down the final year of his contract rather than sell him for a price below their current valuation. There have been talks between the two clubs after United agreed personal terms with Mount, but Chelsea are digging in amid interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and other clubs.