Arsenal have been linked with a move for Declan Rice for a while with the Gunner’s seemingly leading the chase, but they face stiff competition and as well as a hefty price tag if they are to land the West Ham midfielder.
- Arsenal pursuing West Ham’s £100m-rated midfielder Declan Rice
- Multiple Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, also interested
- Rice’s contract situation reaching a tipping point, with player seeking Champions League football
Arsenal have joined the list of Premier League rivals eyeing a move for West Ham United’s highly-rated midfielder Declan Rice, according to ESPN who seem a bit late to this ‘party’.
Rice has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal for a while, now.
The 24-year-old has been a standout player for the Hammers, and West Ham are reportedly still demanding a £100 million fee to fend off interest from top clubs this summer.
Despite West Ham’s desire to retain Rice, they recognise that his situation is reaching a critical point as his contract at the London Stadium has only two years remaining, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
Arsenal are actively seeking to strengthen their midfield and are reportedly keen on securing Rice’s signature at the end of the season.
Other clubs monitoring his situation include Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Liverpool.
Chelsea have a longstanding interest in Rice, who was released by the club at the age of 14. However, their pursuit of the midfielder may be influenced by the appointment of a new manager and the need to trim their squad.
Manchester City’s interest in Rice could depend on their success in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, while Manchester United’s priority remains signing a top striker, such as Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
The Red Devils may need to raise additional funds to sign Rice, and the sale of the club could impact their summer plans.
Newcastle are expected to invest heavily in their squad if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, while Liverpool may join the race for Rice after backing out of a move for Bellingham.
Rice has reportedly rejected several offers to extend his contract with West Ham and has made it clear that he wants to compete for trophies at the highest level.
In an interview during the 2022 World Cup with England, he expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, saying, “I want 100% to play in the Champions League.”
With several clubs vying for his signature, the battle to secure Rice’s services will be fierce, and Arsenal will need to show their ambition and financial prowess to win the race for the talented midfielder.
Declan Rice alternatives
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as potential midfield signings, should they be unable to land Declan Rice, who remains their top priority target.
West Ham United’s £100m price tag on Rice could prove challenging, leading Arsenal to consider other options.
Lavia’s situation is particularly intriguing due to Southampton’s possible relegation, while Arsenal has previously shown strong interest in Caicedo with a £70m move in the winter window.