It seems like we are close to arriving at the business inauguration of the transfer window for this season. With most of the clubs heading for their pre-season tours in a couple of weeks, the managers are pushing hard to have all their new signings for the tour and the start of next season. The pursuit for the English defensive midfielder Declan Rice is heating up with every passing day.
Several clubs hope to sign Declan Rice. There is no doubt that the team which manages to cross the line are surely getting one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. It is still to be seen which club can entice West Ham with their lucrative offer to let go of their captain.
How much does West Ham want for Declan Rice?
After lifting a European trophy last season, Declan Rice has made his ambitions clear to the club’s hierarchy. The club’s chairman, 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.” With a lot of English clubs in pursuit of the defensive midfielder, it is fair to say West Ham are expecting some groundbreaking offers on the table.
The English midfielder played a total of 245 matches for the Hammers while scoring 15 times and providing 13 assists. Based on West Ham’s system, Declan Rice played as an anchor behind a number 8 and a central attacking midfielder. Reports suggest that West Ham wants north of $127 million for their club captain.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that the Hammers have rejected a second bid from their London rivals Arsenal worth $95 million plus $19 million in add-ons. West Ham have made their stance abundantly clear to all the chasing clubs.
Arsenal have confirmed to West Ham their plan to submit one more bid for Declan Rice — after £75m plus £15m rejected. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Understand Manchester City are also preparing their official bid — plan has not changed. 🔵 #MCFC
Structure of deal/payment terms, key for West Ham. pic.twitter.com/kmOhlkNXfv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2023
Man City or Arsenal, where should Rice go?
The treble-winners Manchester City are looking to strengthen their midfield department after the departure of their skipper İlkay Gündoğan. Several reports suggest Declan Rice is still keen to join the London club despite the late endeavours of Man City. There is no denying that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in the Englishman.
With multiple clubs keen to complete the deal, it would be interesting to see who will be the first to cross the line. Man City have increased their midfield options by signing Chelsea’s midfielder Mateo Kovacic. After the rejection of the second bid from Arsenal, Man City have a clear picture as to what it will take to see the Englishman play at Etihad next season.
With the season fast approaching, the clubs have shifted gears in the race to pursue their targets in the transfer window. Well, with every passing day the dash for Declan Rice is getting heated up. Clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea are also aware of the situation and we may never know if any club comes in with an eleventh-hour bid.
Amidst the frenzy of transfers, where do you think we will see Declan Rice play next season, Emirates or Etihad?
