Arsenal are planning to test West Ham United’s resolve in the coming days over a potential deal for Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old midfielder played what’s likely to be his final game for the Irons last night, and what a way to depart; he captained his side to European glory as they overturned Fiorentina 2-1 to lift the Europa Conference League trophy in Prague.
When the celebrations eventually cool, though they’ll certainly go on for a while in London, Rice’s mind may begin focusing on where his future lies.
Rice has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium for numerous years, but his admission last season of wanting to play Champions League football led supporters to believe he’d be on his way out in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the England international for months, as have Manchester United, but the former look will be the first club to officially lodge a bid.
Arsenal preparing Rice bid
According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners will submit a £90 million bid in the coming days. They will aim to pay the full fee within two years and the Hammers want the “guaranteed portion of his transfer fee paid by next summer”.
Arsenal reportedly want a “swift resolution”.
Whether or not West Ham’s board will deem the offer acceptable remains to be seen, as David Moyes had always made it clear that when Rice goes, it’ll be for over £100 million.
The update will also spark Erik ten Hag’s interest; he will have to chat with the hierarchy to determine whether United can table a similar amount to Mikel Arteta’s side.
