Arsenal are in the mix for West Ham captain Declan Rice, who is expected to leave East London this summer after leading the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory
West Ham United have immediately knocked back Arsenal’s opening approach for club captain Declan Rice.
The Hammers skipper is expected to leave this summer as he goes in search of Champions League football, but the east London side will demand a significant fee. Arsenal are among the front-runners in the chase for the 24-year-old, with Bayern Munich cooling their interest in the England star.
Arsenal are expected to return with a fresh approach as they look to unite Rice with a number of his international colleagues at club level. However, they could yet be rivalled by Manchester City for the signing.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have made an initial approach following a meeting between executive Tim Lewis and Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady. However, The Guardian reports that this has been rejected by Rice’s current club, with the BBC suggesting the Hammers are not happy with the size or structure of the deal.
The Athletic’s report also claims City are “actively” exploring the possibility of a bid for Rice. Pep Guardiola’s side brought in his England colleague Kalvin Phillips last summer, but the former Leeds man struggled to make an impact in his first season.
Rice’s current West Ham deal ends in 2024, with an option to extend it by a further year. However, with the midfielder showing no inclination to sign an extension, the club are expected to cash in this summer.
Rice played the full 90 minutes in Prague as West Ham beat Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League – their first trophy of the 21st century. In the aftermath of the game, though, owner David Sullivan dropped the biggest hint yet that the captain would leave this summer.
