Arsenal could respect West Ham’s European campaign and lodge a mammoth transfer bid for Declan Rice in a bid to take the England midfielder to the Emirates at the same time. Both Rice and the Hammers are busy in preparation to take on Fiorentina in next week’s Europa Conference League final – before gearing up for a pivotal transfer window.
West Ham are resigned to losing their star man as he goes in search of the next challenge, Champions League football potentially at one of the Premier League’s traditional top-six clubs. Arsenal had previously been described as frontrunners for his signature, but had yet to make a formal offer to David Moyes’ outfit.
That could be because they are awaiting the end of West Ham’s season, after Rice specified that he was only focused on his current club. “I have not really focused on any of that,” said Rice when asked about transfer speculation. “My main focus this season since after the World Cup has been getting us out of the relegation battle and winning this trophy, my heart is set on that.
“Everything else is just noise and speculation. I can’t help that, it comes with playing. Doing it for the club, my family and the fans – that is my only focus. I want to make them very happy and will do everything I can.”
However, with less than a week until the end of West Ham’s season, Arsenal could be set to formalise the £92million offer that The Telegraph had claimed that the Gunners were preparing. The report stated that the Hammers would want as much of that fee upfront, having previously demanded a British record fee for Rice.
An early bid might help Arsenal’s chances, as Bayern Munich appear to be ramping up their efforts to sign the 24-year-old. The Bundesliga champions are hoping to beat their Premier League counterparts to his signature, as Thomas Tuchel has already reportedly spoken to Rice on the phone regarding a potential move to Germany.
Bayern are prepared to pay a club-record £85m for Rice, lower than Arsenal’s offer while the midfielder also appears to favour a move to north London despite Bayern’s interest.
It would make sense for Edu and Mikel Arteta to move quickly and lodge their £92m bid for Rice shortly after West Ham’s European final, who currently are the best option for all parties.
Between Arsenal and Bayern’s two offers, West Ham would likely favour the larger one from their fellow Londoners. Rice’s stance is favouring Arsenal as well, as he can also remain in the capital, making complete sense to act quickly and avoid being gazumped by their rivals.
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