Declan Rice will be sold this summer, according to West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan, with Arsenal preparing to make a formal approach for the midfielder after he guided the Hammers to European success in Prague on Thursday night.
Rice is Arsenal’s top summer transfer target, but the England midfielder has put negotiations about his future on hold until after the Europa League Final.
Arsenal intended to wait until after West Ham played Fiorentina before making an opening bid to avoid upsetting the Hammers or Rice.
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has stated that the club will sell Rice this summer, and Arsenal are likely to make an offer for the 24-year-old, who rejected down a £200,000-a-week agreement to stay at the club.
The Hammers have set a £120 million asking price for Rice, but Arsenal are hoping for a deal closer to £90 million.
Rice is interested in playing for Arsenal, but he also has offers from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
“We promised him he could go,” Sullivan said on talkSPORT on Thursday. “He made up his mind to go.
“You couldn’t ask for a more committed man to us this season.” He has to get on eventually, and we have to find a replacement – or numerous replacements.
“We don’t want this to happen.” We offered him £200,000 per week 18 months ago, and he declined. Staying at West Ham has cost him £10 million in missing wages throughout that time.
“He wishes to leave. You can’t keep a player who isn’t interested in being there.”
Rice commented on his future after West Ham defeated Fiorentina 2-1 on Wednesday night: “There’s a lot of speculation about my future.”
“Obviously, there is interest from other clubs, and it is there, but ultimately, I have two years left at West Ham.”
“I adore this club, and I adore playing for it.” Nothing has happened yet. My priority is to play for West Ham, have fun tonight, and see what happens. I’m the captain of this club, and I truly adore it.
“I can’t say enough good things about this place; let’s just see what happens.”
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