West Ham Reject Arsenal’s Bid for Declan Rice
West Ham United have rejected Arsenal’s opening bid for club captain Declan Rice. The Hammers were reportedly unimpressed with the nature of the offer as well as the fee. West Ham is expected to sell the 24-year-old this summer after he guided the club to Europa Conference League victory earlier this month. Rice is keen to play Champions League football and was impressed with Mikel Arteta’s plans for him after a series of talks with the Spaniard in April.
Arsenal is Rice’s preferred destination, and the Gunners have wasted no time in bidding for the midfielder by submitting an £80m bid earlier today for the former Chelsea youngster. However, West Ham instantly rejected the bid, citing two reasons. Firstly, the fee is significantly below their £110m valuation of Rice. Secondly, the Hammers were unimpressed with the amount of ‘upfront’ cash on offer from Arsenal.
The Gunners included a series of add-ons that would see the offer come in at more than £80m, including bonuses if Arsenal win the Premier League and/or Champions League. However, West Ham is doubtful of those eventualities and wants a greater guarantee of money.
Declan Rice’s Career
Declan Rice is a 24-year-old English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for West Ham United and the England national team. Rice began his career at Chelsea’s academy but was released at age 14. He then joined West Ham United’s academy and made his senior debut in 2017. Since then, he has become a vital player for the Hammers, making over 150 appearances for the club.
Rice has also represented England at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2019. He has since become a regular member of the England squad and played a crucial role in their run to the Euro 2020 final.
West Ham’s Valuation of Declan Rice
West Ham United values Declan Rice at £110m, which is significantly higher than Arsenal’s opening bid of £80m. The Hammers are keen to get the best possible price for their captain, who has been a vital player for the club in recent years. Rice has two years left on his contract, and West Ham is in a strong negotiating position.
The club has already rejected several bids for Rice in the past, including a £100m bid from Chelsea last summer. West Ham is aware of Rice’s desire to play Champions League football and is willing to sell him if they receive a suitable offer. However, the club is not willing to let him go for less than his market value.
Arsenal’s Interest in Declan Rice
Arsenal is one of several clubs interested in signing Declan Rice this summer. The Gunners are keen to strengthen their midfield, and Rice is seen as an ideal target. Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the midfielder and has been in talks with him about a potential move to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s opening bid of £80m was rejected by West Ham, who are holding out for a higher fee. The Gunners included several add-ons in their offer, which would see the fee rise to over £80m if certain conditions are met. However, West Ham is not convinced that these conditions will be met and wants a greater guarantee of money.
Conclusion
West Ham United has rejected Arsenal’s opening bid for Declan Rice, citing the low fee and the lack of upfront cash on offer. The Hammers value Rice at £110m and are keen to get the best possible price for their captain. Arsenal is one of several clubs interested in signing Rice this summer, but they will need to increase their offer significantly if they want to secure his services. With two years left on his contract, West Ham is in a strong negotiating position and is unlikely to let Rice go for less than his market value.