According to The Daily Mail, West Ham United expects Manchester United to fulfill their $120 million asking price for Declan Rice despite Arsenal preparing a £90 million bid for him.
The 24-year-old Rice has long been noted as Arsenal’s top target during the summer transfer window. Despite interest from Premier League opponents, The Times reported in January that Mikel Arteta’s team is optimistic about signing the midfielder.
Arsenal plans to increase their interest in the England international as the season comes to a close. The aforementioned source claims that they are willing to make structured payments totaling about £90 million to West Ham..
The North London juggernauts appear to think £90 million is a reasonable asking price for a player whose contract expires the following year. According to the story, the Irons won’t change their $120 million value of Rice.
West Ham is also said to be optimistic that Manchester United would agree to pay their asking amount. That follows news that the Red Devils are preparing a last-minute effort to sign Rice.
It will now be interesting to see if the Old Trafford team can outdistance Arsenal in the battle to sign Rice. The Gunners could also consent to raise their bid for the defensive midfielder with London roots.
Chelsea and Manchester City have also been mentioned as potential destinations for Rice, in addition to Arsenal and Manchester United. If there were a four-way bidding battle for the Englishman, West Ham would be thrilled.
How did Declan Rice, a target for Arsenal, perform in his final game for West Ham?
Declan Rice, West Ham’s captain since last year, has participated in 48 games for the team this season. The midfielder has four assists in addition to five goals. He last played for the Irons on May 21 when they defeated Leeds United 3-1 in the Premier League.
After Rodrigo had given Leeds the lead early on, the Englishman tied the score for West Ham in the 31st minute. He had a 90% accuracy rate and completed 65 passes, which was the most in the game. He received 84 fewer touches than just his teammate Lucas Paqueta (106) (106).
Rice made three clearances; the only West Ham player to do better was Angelo Ogbonna. Three of the attempted duels were also won by the Arsenal target. Additionally, he finished two dribbles.
Conclusion
West Ham United is optimistic about their chances of outbidding Arsenal’s £90 million offer for Declan Rice. Despite Arsenal’s interest in the midfielder and their willingness to make structured payments totaling £90 million, West Ham remains firm on their asking price of $120 million.
West Ham is also hopeful that Manchester United, who are reportedly preparing a last-minute effort to sign Rice, will meet their valuation. Other clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City have also been mentioned as potential destinations for Rice.
In his final game for West Ham against Leeds United, Rice performed well, scoring a goal, maintaining a high passing accuracy rate, making clearances, winning duels, and completing dribbles. The situation now remains to be seen as to which club will ultimately secure the services of the talented English midfielder.