Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth claims that Arsenal has demonstrated that they are “serious” about signing Declan Rice from West Ham and that negotiations are still going on despite a second rejected offer.
During the summer, who will Arsenal sign?
According to reports, Rice is manager Mikel Arteta’s top summer target, and the north Londoners have had their eyes on him for the majority of the transfer window and earlier.
As they look to strengthen their midfield, Arsenal is rumoured to be pursuing deals for fellow midfield stars Romeo Lavia and Ilkay Gundogan in addition to the England international.
One of their stars for 2022–2023, Thomas Partey, may leave the Emirates Stadium, according to reports, and fans may soon notice a change in the midfield for the upcoming season.
With Jurrien Timber of the Netherlands and Kai Havertz of Chelsea reportedly getting closer to a move to Arsenal, Arteta also wants to strengthen the attacking and defensive positions.
Returning to Rice, despite being a club record, Arsenal has now had two bids for Rice rejected. This is because West Ham refused to accept their £90 million offer (£75 million guaranteed plus £15 million in add-ons).
The negotiations are still going on behind the scenes, but sporting director Edu and company seem determined to get it done.
That information comes from Sky’s Sheth, who claims that Arsenal is “serious” about signing Rice and that negotiations are still ongoing.
After a £90 million bid was rejected, negotiations over Declan Rice are still ongoing. After making a club record bid, Arsenal has demonstrated their seriousness, and they are still optimistic about a successful outcome. #AFC
How much is Declan Rice going to cost?
According to some sources, West Ham wants up to £120 million for their prized asset, but they may also accept a partial exchange of £100 million plus a player.
With Man City, the reigning Premier League champions and triple-winners, reportedly lurking in the shadows, Arsenal may need to step up their game in light of this.
When it comes to average match rating last season, Rice distinguished himself as West Ham’s best-performing player per 90 under David Moyes.
He was dubbed a midfield “monster” by Frank Lebeouf, and at the end of 2022/2023, he won the Europa Conference League with the Irons, his first major trophy.
Rice’s popularity keeps growing, but sadly for Arsenal, so does his price tag. This saga may continue well past the transfer window.
