West Ham reject Arsenal's first bid for Declan Rice

The Gunners’ first attempt to sign their top summer transfer target, Declan Rice, has fallen through, but they are expected to make another bid.

West Ham United have rejected Arsenal’s first bid for midfielder and captain Declan Rice.

It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Rice for some time, but it seems that the Gunners boss’ first attempt to snatch up the star player has fallen short. West Ham have rejected an £80 million offer. The Hammers’ are dead set on their asking price, a figure of over £100 million.

Arsenal are expected to come back with a new proposal soon. According to Fabrizio Romano, they are in advanced talks over personal terms with Rice. But if that wasn’t enough, there are whispers that Manchester City could also be in the running as well.

For now, the Citizens are keeping tight-lipped about any potential interest amid the uncertain futures of captain Ilkay Gundogan and midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Meanwhile, West Ham chairman David Sullivan has openly stated that he’s almost certain Rice will leave the club this summer. The 24-year-old recently captained the Irons to glory in the Europa Conference League, and has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.

Rice has been a fixture at West Ham since the 2016/17 season and has played an impressive 245 games for the club. He’s also represented England 41 times, including all five matches at the last World Cup. While there is only one year left on his contract, West Ham can extend it until 2025. This leaves them in a prime position to negotiate a substantial transfer fee.

Arsenal have significantly advanced on Declan Rice’s personal terms in the last few days — that’s why Arsenal will bid again to find a solution with West Ham. ⚪️🔴 #AFC

£80m was never gonna be enough to convince West Ham, as they hope for more than £100m to sell Rice. pic.twitter.com/Ev36DxKocd

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2023