Arsenal’s hopes of signing Declan Rice have been dealt a blow as Manchester City close in on a deal for the West Ham star. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City are confident of securing Rice’s signature and are close to finalizing the transfer.
The Hammers have valued Rice at over £100m, a price that any club interested in signing him will have to match. Arsenal have already made two offers for the 24-year-old this summer, with their latest bid reaching up to £90m. However, West Ham rejected the offer as it fell below their valuation.
This development puts Arsenal at risk of losing their main summer target. Rice has just 12 months left on his contract at West Ham, but the club has the option to extend it for another year, meaning they are not under pressure to sell him cheaply.
Initially, Rice was said to be favoring a move to Arsenal. However, the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning team at Manchester City could change his preference. Guardiola is confident that City will secure the midfielder’s services after stepping up their interest in him.
If City successfully sign Rice, it would be a significant blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans. The Gunners will now have to reassess their options and identify alternative targets to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
How much is West Ham valuing Declan Rice, and why is this price tag proving to be a setback for Arsenal’s pursuit of the player?
Arsenal’s hopes of landing Declan Rice have suffered a setback as Manchester City closes in on a deal for the West Ham star. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City is nearing the completion of the transfer, leaving Arsenal at risk of losing their primary target for the summer.
West Ham has placed a hefty price tag of over £100m on Rice, making it mandatory for any interested club to match their valuation. Despite making two offers for the 24-year-old, with their latest bid reaching up to £90m, Arsenal’s attempts have been rebuffed by West Ham.
This turn of events has put Arsenal in a precarious position, with Rice’s contract at West Ham set to expire in just 12 months. However, West Ham retains the option to extend it for another year, relieving them of any urgency to sell him at a bargain price.
Initially, Rice was rumored to favor a move to Arsenal. However, the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola’s triumphant Manchester City team may alter his preference. Guardiola holds high confidence in securing the midfielder’s services, given City has intensified their pursuit of him.
If City succeeds in acquiring Rice, it would deal a significant blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans. The Gunners will now have to reassess their options, identifying alternative targets to bolster their squad ahead of the forthcoming season.
