West Ham United’s hold on Declan Rice is reaching a critical point this summer, with several top English clubs vying for his signature. Despite the Hammers’ persistent efforts to retain him, it seems that they may finally succumb to the mounting offers.
Manchester City, known for their deep pockets, initially expressed their readiness to pay a hefty sum of €105 million, plus additional bonuses, for the services of the English international. However, West Ham’s management staunchly turned down the proposal.
Now, their neighbors from North London have emerged as serious contenders, armed with an even larger financial package.
Renowned journalist David Ornstein, a reliable source of inside information, revealed that Arsenal has submitted an offer worth £105 million, equivalent to approximately €120 million. If this bid were to be accepted, it would not only break the transfer record for a British player but also make Rice the most expensive midfielder in football history. Additionally, it would mark the most significant purchase in the history of a North London club.
The Emirates faithful are hopeful that their generous offer will satiate West Ham’s desires and fend off any competing bids.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has already introduced their latest acquisition, Mateo Kovačić, for a fee of €28.25 million. However, the completion of the deal could potentially cost City an additional €5.65 million, depending on Kovačić’s fulfillment of certain stipulated clauses that trigger agreed-upon bonuses.
It appears that West Ham’s resistance may be waning. They have valiantly fought off suitors until now, engaging in a high-stakes battle for their star player and successfully persuading rival clubs to dispatch record-breaking sums in exchange for his services.
However, their resolve may be crumbling. They previously rejected Arsenal’s €105 million offer, but now the spotlight is on Manchester City. If the Citizens fail to offer a more enticing figure, it may be time for Rice to pack his bags and head northward from the English capital.
Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that the 24-year-old mid-fielder’s contract is set to expire next summer, although West Ham retains the option to extend it for an additional season. David Sullivan, the club’s top official, recently hinted that Rice may have played his final game in the claret and blue, as the player has expressed his desire for a new challenge.
Despite Rice’s evident ambition for greener pastures, the Hammers have managed to inflate his price to an astronomical £120 million. It seems that pushing for a higher fee would be an incredibly risky move for West Ham at this stage.