Declan Rice: West Ham Reject Arsenal’s Opening Offer
West Ham have rejected Arsenal’s opening offer for captain Declan Rice, with the Gunners’ bid ‘much lower’ than their asking price. The England midfielder is expected to leave the Hammers during the transfer window, but the east London club have placed a hefty £100m price tag on him.
TalkSPORT report that Arsenal had suggested they were willing to meet the asking price but their first bid was significantly less and it has been rejected. The Athletic report that Manchester City are also ‘actively exploring an approach of their own’ for Rice, but are yet to make a bid.
West Ham Chairman David Sullivan Confirms Rice’s Departure
West Ham chairman David Sullivan confirmed that he expected the 24-year-old to leave this summer after coming to an agreement last year. Speaking after the Hammers beat Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League, Sullivan said: ‘We gave the promise last summer that if he gave us his all, we would let him leave the club. It’s a fair and proper thing to do.’
Sullivan also revealed that the midfielder turned down a massive new deal as he intends to move on. ‘We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season,’ Sullivan told talkSPORT. ‘In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.’
Rice’s Contract Situation
Rice has one year left on his contract with West Ham but the club have the option to extend the deal to 2025, so they remain in a strong position to demand a huge fee. Sullivan also revealed that the midfielder turned down a massive new deal as he intends to move on.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Manchester City will make a move for Rice this summer, but West Ham are in a strong position to demand a hefty fee for their captain. With one year left on his contract and the option to extend it until 2025, the Hammers are in no rush to sell and will be hoping to get the best possible deal for their star player.