Ever since the 2022/23 season wrapped up, Arsenal have made it abundantly clear that Declan Rice is their number one transfer target this summer. The defensive midfielder won the Europa Conference League at the end of last season but has been the focus of much transfer attention ever since and Arsenal are very much looking like the frontrunners at this moment in time.
Rice himself has made it known privately to West Ham that he would be keen to move away from the London Stadium this Summer, with the England midfielder keen to test himself against the best players in the world in the Champions League. After finishing in second place last season, Arsenal are in a position to offer that to Rice.
With the transfer saga rumbling on, here is everything you need to about the potential deal including the latest information and bids.
Declan Rice transfer – The latest bid
The latest bid to go into West Ham for Declan Rice has come from Arsenal who, according to the reliable David Ornstein, have tabled an offer of £100m plus £5m in add-ons. It is a significant increase on their previous bid which was said to be worth £75m plus 1£15m in add-ons.
While West Ham are yet to formally respond to the offer, it is believed that this is a price point that are willing to negotiate on. According to Fabrizio Romano, the only thing left to discuss between the two clubs is how and when the £100m payment will be made. While Arsenal want to spread the payments over four years, West Ham are looking to receive it within 18 months.
Arsenal expect Declan Rice deal to be 100% agreed today or tomorrow — the club is working to get it sealed within 24/48 hours. It’s more than close now. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
All parties discussing on key details as the agreement looks imminent. pic.twitter.com/u8cGRVDlZd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
It is expected that a compromise will be reached fairly swiftly between the clubs to allow the midfielder to travel across London for a medical. He will then be able to join up with the squad for pre-season to provide Mikel Arteta with the best possible opportunity to get him up to speed on how he wants him to play for Arsenal.
Are Manchester City still interested in Rice?
Earlier this week, Manchester City made a bid for Declan Rice after West Ham rejected Arsenal's offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons. The Blues have a long-standing interest in the England midfielder and offered slightly better terms to the London worth £80m up front and £10m in add-ons.
Unsurprisingly, this bid was also rejected by West Ham but that didn't completely end City's interest in the 24-year-old. The Manchester club were asked to be kept up to date with any bids for Rice but in light of Arsenal's most recent bid of £100m plus £5m in add-ons, they have formally withdrawn from the running.
According to Journalists with contacts at the club, City aren't prepared to overpay for anyone and would rather walk away from the deal now before the price goes north of £100m. It means that Arsenal now have a free run at Rice and given that he is their number-one transfer target this summer, they are looking to get it over the line in the next couple of days.
