Newcastle are the next team to enter the fight to capture West Ham captain Declan Rice, with Arsenal’s latest bid finally exceeding £100 million, according to talkSPORT.
After two bids from the Emirates and one from Manchester City were rejected, the Gunners breached the nine-figure barrier late on Tuesday night (27 June), with their third offer worth £100 million guaranteed with an additional £5 million in add-ons.
They are usually thought to be the Irons star’s favoured destination, although he has also allegedly held negotiations with Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
“Arsenal believe they will win the race for Declan Rice after submitting a British record offer worth £105 million,” talkSPORT reported on Twitter on Tuesday night.
“The Gunners are confident that their third bid for the England midfielder will be accepted by the Hammers, despite competition from Manchester City.”
“Rice, who has also met with Newcastle, has stated that Arsenal is his preferred destination.” Arsenal has guaranteed a fee of £100 million plus add-ons.”
Newcastle are financially on a different level since the Saudi PIF took possession, but there is no indication that they have made a large-money bid.
This is the first offer that will pique West Ham’s interest, with the club having made it plain for months that they wanted more than £100 million and so rapidly rejecting the first three proposals.
It also shows how badly Arsenal wants Rice, and they are undoubtedly still in the driver’s seat to land him at the conclusion of this.
But it doesn’t mean the race is finished, as Sky Sports has frequently claimed £120m as the valuation at the London Stadium, and if the Hammers believe that is available this summer, they appear to be willing to pursue it.
Newcastle are one of the few clubs in the world with the financial resources to compete with City, however they frequently state that PPF considerations prevent them from spending lavishly.
They are said to be closing in on a £68.5m deal for AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali [BBC Sport, 23 June], therefore it is unclear whether this precludes them from going close to the Irons’ targeted price for Rice.
There is still thought to be a potential that Manchester United may make an offer, which will most likely include players, so while Arsenal and Manchester City remain the main candidates for the time being, and Bayern Munich appears to have exited stage left, perhaps there is still time for this race to run.
In other West Ham United news, a new update on the Hammers’ hopes of signing a high-profile Manchester United figure this summer has emerged.
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