Arsenal is reportedly preparing to make a third bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, as they face competition from Manchester City in the transfer race.
The Gunners have already had two offers rejected for Rice, who is Mikel Arteta’s primary target for the summer transfer window.
Their initial bid of £80 million plus add-ons was turned down, and a subsequent offer fell short of West Ham’s £100 million asking price.
However, the situation has taken a new twist with Manchester City emerging as potential suitors for Rice. It is understood that the Premier League champions are preparing to make their own bid for the England international in the coming days.
§West Ham reportedly believes that an offer from City is imminent, which puts Arsenal under pressure to act swiftly.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal is planning to return with a third bid that aligns more closely with West Ham’s valuation of Rice.
The Gunners are determined not to miss out on their primary target, especially after losing out to Chelsea in the bidding war for Mykhailo Mudryk earlier this year.
Personal terms between Rice and Arsenal are not expected to be a stumbling block once the negotiations between the two clubs are finalized.
In an attempt to entice the 24-year-old to join the North London side, Arteta is reportedly considering making Rice the captain of the team.
The Gunners’ manager believes that Rice has the potential to lead the club in the future, although there are no immediate plans to appoint him as captain, as Martin Odegaard impressed in that role last season.
The outcome of this transfer saga remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen which club will meet West Ham’s valuation for Rice.
As the deadline for the transfer window draws closer, Arsenal will need to act swiftly to secure their primary target and fend off competition from Manchester City.
Follow London Insider on Google News