As Bayern Munich retreats from the Declan Rice chase, Arsenal now appear to have a clear run to secure the services of the highly-rated West Ham United midfielder.

This possible £100m+ transfer could significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield and shape their forthcoming season.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team's victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team’s victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
  • Bayern Munich have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice, paving the way for Arsenal to secure the midfielder’s services.
  • Reports suggest Arsenal are close to agreeing on a deal worth £100m+ with West Ham United for Declan Rice, who appears set to leave his club this summer.
  • Declan Rice‘s preferred destination is believed to be Arsenal, and West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that a departure for Rice is likely.

Bayern’s withdrawal opens door for Arsenal

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United takes to the field with a child prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United takes to the field with a child prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

After much speculation and anticipation, Bayern Munich have made a decisive move in the transfer market – not to bring in Declan Rice, but to withdraw from the chase altogether.

German media have confirmed that Bayern will not be making a bid for the English midfielder, a decision that seemingly paves the way for Arsenal to step in and make their move.

Potential transfer to Arsenal

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team's victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team’s victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

As Bayern’s interest cools, it appears that Declan Rice‘s future may be increasingly tied to the North London club.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Arsenal are on the verge of agreeing a fee with West Ham United for Rice.

While there is no formal bid yet, talks have been progressing well, and there’s a growing confidence that a deal can be sealed soon.

Arsenal’s possible new midfield dynamo

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Declan Rice attends the Women's Football Awards 2023 at Nobu Hotel on May 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Declan Rice attends the Women’s Football Awards 2023 at Nobu Hotel on May 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)

Landing Declan Rice would be a significant boost for the Gunners, who are keen to strengthen their midfield.

After a standout season with West Ham, where he captained the team to Europa Conference League success, Rice’s potential arrival at the Emirates Stadium could bring a newfound dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield.

His preferred move to Arsenal also signifies a win over rivals like Bayern Munich and Manchester United, who were previously linked with the 24-year-old.

Rice’s imminent departure from West Ham

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS - MAY 18: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS – MAY 18: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

While Arsenal fans may be excited about the potential new arrival, the news confirms a sad end to Rice’s time at West Ham United.

Club chairman David Sullivan has already conceded that the English midfielder is likely to leave this summer, marking the end of an era for the Hammers. In his own words, “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”

Arsenal’s potential game-changer

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 – 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)

As things stand, it looks like Arsenal may be able to finalise a deal with Rice soon.

The prospect of his move could act as a potential game-changer for the Gunners, adding depth and quality to their midfield, and perhaps, setting them up for a successful season ahead.

Only time will tell if this transfer turns out to be the golden ticket for Arsenal, but for now, the anticipation and excitement continue to build.