Europa Conference League winners, West Ham United have rejected Manchester City’s £90 million bid for Declan Rice, according to The Telegraph, even as Arsenal are preparing to make an improved third bid for the prolific midfielder.
Rice is one of the most-coveted players on the market this summer with the England midfielder widely expected to leave the Hammers after guiding them to glory in the Europa Conference League.
Arsenal have identified Rice as their top target but have already had two bids rejected and City’s first offer – which comprised of a guaranteed £80m plus an extra £10m in add-ons – has also been turned down by West Ham.
Mail Sport reported on Monday that Arsenal is set to make an improved third offer for Rice within 48 hours as they counter the attempts of City’s proposal.
However, the forthcoming proposal will not be in direct response to the Treble-winners’ bid – although it will focus the club’s efforts to sign Rice, who is Mikel Arteta’s No 1 target.
City’s offer did beat Arsenal’s previous rejected bid of a guaranteed £75m plus an additional £15m in bonuses, but the Hammers are seeking at least £100m for their star man. Sources claim that the Gunners’ third offer will be closer to this valuation.
West Ham are hoping for this amount after seeing Jude Bellingham move to Real Madrid for a fee rising up to £113m and also having agreed to Rice’s wish to depart this summer.
