Declan Rice has made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal, but West Ham is holding out for an offer of £100 million for the England international. Arsenal has already seen two bids rejected by their London rivals and is expected to return with a third offer closer to the asking price soon. However, Danny Murphy has advised Rice that he may need to risk upsetting West Ham if he is to be granted his dream move to Arsenal.
Heading 1: West Ham’s Reluctance to Sell Declan Rice
West Ham has reluctantly accepted that their skipper will leave the club this summer. However, they are holding out for an offer of £100 million for the England international. Earlier this month, West Ham chairman David Sullivan conceded that Rice would be allowed to leave the London Stadium in the close season. But his public declaration has failed to spark the anticipated bidding war.
Heading 2: Arsenal’s Bid for Declan Rice
Arsenal has already seen two bids rejected by their London rivals and is expected to return with a third offer closer to the asking price soon. Reports earlier this week claimed Manchester City and Manchester United were prepared to tempt West Ham with player plus cash deals. Still, Rice has privately made clear his desire to join the Gunners.
Heading 3: Danny Murphy’s Advice to Declan Rice
Given Arsenal’s reluctance to meet West Ham’s valuation, Murphy feels Rice could be forced to go on strike if he is to complete the switch from east to north London. He told talkSPORT: “And it may get to a point where Declan has got a decision to make – has he got the courage to kick up to get out if he needs to? I know he’s not that type of lad, but sometimes you have to be Craig Bellamy, Joey Barton – you’ve got to look after yourself.”
Heading 4: The Big Question Mark for Declan Rice
The big question mark for Rice is if Man City do come in late, the choice over whether to leave London or not. London is his home, it’s where he’s grown up, it’s where his family is, but as a football decision, it would be a no-brainer to join the Premier League champions. If you had a choice between City and Arsenal, although Arsenal is on a great trajectory, you’d pick City all day long.
Heading 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, West Ham is holding out for an offer of £100 million for Declan Rice, and Arsenal has already seen two bids rejected by their London rivals. Danny Murphy has advised Rice that he may need to risk upsetting West Ham if he is to be granted his dream move to Arsenal. The big question mark for Rice is if Man City do come in late, the choice over whether to leave London or not.