West Ham strongly believes Declan Rice has picked between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arsenal has raised their bid for Declan Rice to £100million as they look to win the war with Manchester City for his signature.
The Gunners are hopeful their improved third offer – which includes add-ons and could be worth £105m – will be enough to finally land their top summer target. City firmed up their interest with an offer of £90m, comprising £80m up front with add-ons.
That fell short of West Ham ’s valuation and now Arsenal have decided to try and take advantage by upping their offer as the two London clubs try and broker an agreement.
West Ham are aware that Rice had made up his mind and favoured a move to the Emirates before City’s late interest, which only really came to fruition after Ilkay Gundogan decided to leave and join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Treble-winning City might have thought they would quickly be in pole position. They must now decide whether they are prepared to match Arsenal’s increased bid.
West Ham are looking for a swift solution as they want to move on and get any deal done so they can make their own plans for the coming season.
Arsenal’s mega-bid will make Rice one of the most expensive English players in history and easily eclipses the club record £72m they splashed on flop Nicolas Pepe.
The Gunners believe strongly that Rice wants to join them and stay in London and be part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
Arsenal are splashing the cash this summer as they are set to announce a deal for Kai Havertz after agreeing a £65m deal with Chelsea for the Germany international, who has already undergone a medical.
They are also set to agree a deal worth £40m for Ajax’s versatile right-sided defender Jurrien Timber who is also keen to move to the Emirates. Departures are also expected with Rob Holding, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney being targeted and, with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka also candidates to leave.
City have announced their first signing of the summer, with Mateo Kovacic’s move from Chelsea now official. The Croatian has signed a four-year deal at the Etihad and will join Guardiola’s side at the start of pre-season.