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Arsenal have launched a fresh £105m bid for Declan Rice as the Gunners attempt to beat Manchester City to the West Ham captain’s signature.
The Gunners were favourites to sign Rice after it was confirmed he would be leaving the Hammers in the wake of their Europa Conference League success. But they face a stiff challenge from the Premier League champions, who are keen on the England star too.
Arsenal’s previous bid fell below West Ham’s valuation of in excess of £100million. However, the Gunners have now gone past that mark, according to The Athletic, who report that the initial fee would be £100m with £5m of add-ons.
If the bid is accepted and goes through, it would be a record fee for a British player. Arsenal’s previous bid was reportedly worth £90m (£75m up front and £15m in add-ons). City’s offer was said to be an initial £80m plus £10m in add-ons. Both bids were rebuffed by West Ham.
The reported offer has been welcomed by Arsenal fans, who had become worried that City were going to pip them to Rice.
One supporter said: “If we don’t get him after this, then I am cool with it! Edu and Arteta have done everything they can.”
Another added: “This is even more than I expected. If City bid more than this, fair play to them. Edu should move on to the next player on our list.”
A third commented: “Final bid by Arsenal: take it or leave it.” Meanwhile, a fourth declared: “If this bid is rejected, then we have to move on for other targets.”
A fifth made their feelings clear, saying: “If Rice truly wants Arsenal, he needs to make it clear now. He could’ve prevented a bidding war or even a bid from City. If he’s not [100%] for Arsenal then this bid is where we find out. Hope this is the final bid from Arsenal.”