Arsenal's pursuit of star midfielder Declan Rice has hit a roadblock as West Ham swiftly rejected their opening bid of £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons. The north London club faces unexpected competition from Manchester City, who have emerged as surprise rivals in the race for the Hammers captain's signature.
Despite interest from several top-flight clubs, Arsenal has long been seen as the favored destination for the England international, dampening the hopes of rivals like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. Bayern Munich, in particular, withdrew their interest in Rice earlier this week, citing Arsenal's financial strength as a decisive factor.
West Ham values their prized player at a staggering £110 million, and co-chairman Daniel Sullivan hopes that multiple suitors will drive up the bidding war. Arsenal initiated discussions with West Ham during the Premier League clubs' annual AGM, but their initial offer fell short of the Hammers' demands.The delay in securing Rice's services stems from West Ham's interest in what Manchester City can offer for the midfielder, hindering Arsenal's plans for a swift acquisition. Additionally, the Hammers were disappointed with Arsenal's proposal to structure the deal over four years, as they preferred to have the guaranteed portion of the transfer fee by 2025 to meet UEFA's financial fair play regulations.
While Manchester United shifted their focus to Mason Mount, Rice remained their primary target for weeks. Manchester City, on the other hand, may face significant departures this summer, with players like Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker uncertain about their futures at the club.
As negotiations continue, Arsenal and Manchester City will need to refine their offers to meet West Ham's valuation and secure the services of Declan Rice, whose transfer saga has garnered significant attention in the transfer market.
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