Arsenal are still working on their deal to sign Declan Rice. The West Ham United captain has outgrown the London club and will leave the club he joined in 2014; after failing to make the grade at Chelsea.
However, the Gunners have had their first official bid rejected this week. This was to be expected but will the Gunners come back for a second or even third bid?
Will the Gunners up their bid?
With the bid rumoured to be £85 million, West Ham feel that is nowhere near where what they value their fantastic England international. However, Arsenal seem hell-bent on signing Rice and it is certainly a signing that would help bolster an attack on the title once again next year and help them along the way in the Champions League.
At 24 years old, Rice certainly fits the profile that Mikel Arteta has in his young side, and with his captain experience at West Ham, he will be another vital cog to Arteta’s team.
Arsenal will be back in for Rice and they will increase their offer.
How much does West Ham value Rice?
It is believed that West Ham are wanting either £120 million or £100 million and a player in return. If Arsenal did up their bid to £120 million, it would not only make him a British transfer record but also the third-highest of all time.
However, West Ham will certainly be looking for a player in return as they will not want to be held to ransom by other clubs who know they have £120 million in their bank with the sale of Rice.
Will Arsenal face competition?
Rice is clearly one the hottest central midfielders in the world currently and has attracted many suitors. With Chelsea and Manchester United both reportedly interested in the Londoner. However, his price tag has been something to deter sides who feel the English premium has been ramped up for him.
Yet the only real competition has been from Germany. Bayern Munich are very interested in signing Rice and have made him one of their major targets.
The only issue Bayern would face is that Rice would have to move abroad and away from London. With Arsenal very much set on bringing in Rice as their one major marquee signing, they will do anything to stop him from moving to the Bundesliga.