With the halfway stage of the transfer window arriving thick and fast, the poker games between the clubs are beginning to surface. The clubs are trying their level best to land their priority signings before the start of pre-season tours. After lifting a European trophy last season, Declan Rice has made his ambitions clear to the club’s hierarchy.
The pursuit of the 24-year-old English midfielder is going to be one of the most heated races in this transfer window. With multiple clubs keen to complete the deal, seeing who crosses the line first would be interesting. With just one year left on his contract, will the pursuing clubs stick to their price or will the Hammers end up commanding the negotiations?
West Ham rejects Man City’s first Declan Rice offer after rejecting Arsenal twice
The treble-winners Manchester City are looking to strengthen their midfield after the departure of their skipper İlkay Gündoğan. Despite City having increased their midfield options by signing Chelsea’s midfielder Mateo Kovacic, they now look to shift their focus onto the Three Lions defensive midfielder. After rejecting two bids from the Gunners, West Ham did not hesitate to turn down the first offer from this year’s UCL champions.
Several reports suggest that the Hammers were unimpressed by the formal proposal made by Manchester City and immediately rejected it. It is believed that the treble-winners had proposed $101 million plus $12 million in add-ons. Nonetheless, West Ham is demanding a fee north of $127 million for their skipper. Besides, West Ham also rejected the bid from the Gunners worth $95 million plus $19 million in add-ons.
🚨 West Ham have turned down Man City offer for Declan Rice. #MCFC made formal proposal last night worth £80m + £10m add-ons. #WHUFC unimpressed & quickly rejected it. Arsenal have seen 2 bids rebuffed but remain determined to sign 24yo @TheAthleticFC #AFC https://t.co/fwIrQT0F0C
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 27, 2023
How much does West Ham hope to gain from the trade of Rice?
Since his debut for West Ham about six years ago, the English midfielder played a total of 245 matches for the Hammers with 15 goals and 13 assists. Following the retirement of Mark Noble, Declan Rice was made the club captain in May 2022. Several clubs have set their sights on the 24-year-old midfielder, with Arsenal and Manchester City leading the race.
There were question marks about the future of Declan Rice in the West Ham shirt over a significant period. The comments made by the club chairman after their historic victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final painted a clear picture. David Sullivan, told Talksport,” I think it has to be. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
There is no denying the fact that Mikel Arteta has made Declan Rice his priority signing. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League after having been on the top for the best parts of the season. They do not want to lose this battle against the English champions Manchester City.
Will the Arsenal fans get to see Declan Rice playing at the Emirates next season or will Pep’s eleventh-hour endeavors see him at the Etihad? Let us know your thoughts!
