West Ham United believe Arsenal’s third bid for Declan Rice is imminent, with the player’s desire to join the Gunners appearing pivotal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have confirmed to West Ham that they plan to submit one more bid, after their second offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons was turned down.
According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, West Ham believe that third Arsenal bid is imminent, with the Gunners understanding that their third offer needs to be much closer to West Ham’s £100m valuation.
The Mail also confirm that despite reports of interest from Manchester City, the Premier League champions are still yet to submit an opening bid for Rice.
West Ham insider The West Ham Way report City have held talks with the Hammers over Rice, but they haven’t lodged a bid.
During enquiries, it was made “very clear” that Rice “really favours a move to Arsenal”, with Mikel Arteta’s plan for him reportedly the main factor in that preference.
That doesn’t mean City are out of the race. If Arsenal can’t agree a deal, City could then make a bid and Rice would need to choose between joining them or staying at West Ham.
But West Ham hope Arsenal’s next bid will be closer to what they want, and if Arsenal get a bid accepted, Rice’s preference is clear.
Claret and Hugh confirm that City have come in for Rice, but again admit that the player seems determined to go to Arsenal.
This follows a report from Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, who wrote that Rice remains keen on Arsenal despite talk of a bid from Manchester City.
His preference is to stay in London, after becoming a father in the capital last year, and he admires Mikel Arteta’s football.
Steinberg claimed that the expectation remains that Rice will join Arsenal for a fee that could top £100m with add-ons, with indications on Thursday night that the transfer was rumbling towards a conclusion.
Rice is currently on holiday, after finally concluding a long season with a couple of games on international duty over the last fortnight.
The 24-year-old has made 50 appearances for West Ham and 11 appearances for England over the last 12 months.