West Ham United may have to compromise on their valuation of Declan Rice this summer, with an Arsenal move looking increasingly likely.

Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur's Tottenham Hotspur's Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Writing in the print edition of the Daily Mail on Friday (via West Ham Zone), Ian Ladyman reported that a deal for Declan Rice to join Arsenal this summer looks increasingly possible and attractive to the player himself.

Ladyman highlights that West Ham wanted £150m for the transfer last year, but with Rice’s contract running down and an auction looking unlikely, the journalist now believes Arsenal might be able to get the deal they want.

The suggestion is that West Ham have overplayed their hand, and they’ll probably have to readjust their valuation.

The Independent report that there have already been back-channel overtures, and personal terms are viewed as easy for Arsenal and Rice to sort.

Agreeing on a deal with West Ham obviously remains the primary obstacle, and the Hammers aren’t open to discussing a sale yet. But the Independent claim they’ll still want £100m in the summer.

A lot can still happen between now and then, with West Ham still at risk of relegation and Arsenal’s final position in the table yet to be determined.

But Chelsea’s fading presence in the race appears to have given a boost to Arsenal’s chances of securing a deal at a reasonable rate.

DERBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Declan Rice of West Ham United gestures to the crowd during warm-up ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Derby County and West Ham United at Pride Park on January 30, 2023 in Derby, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
DERBY, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of West Ham United gestures to the crowd during warm-up ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Derby County and West Ham United at Pride Park on January 30, 2023. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Rice wants to compete in the Champions League next season, which seems to have significantly aided Arsenal’s pursuit.

Chelsea would likely need to win the Champions League to make it back in for next season, given their poor position in the Premier League.

The Blues are currently 2-0 down to Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie, and even if they make it past Madrid with an unlikely big victory at Stamford Bridge next week, they’d then probably face Manchester City in the semi-finals.

Their chances are slim at best, whilst Arsenal are on the verge of qualification. There may be other suitors, but the Gunners have ensured they’ll be among the front-runners.