Arsenal hold internal talks as bid expected for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice – Sky Sports
Arsenal are reportedly holding internal talks over the pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Hammers are expecting a bid for their captain at the end of the season.
They will allow him to leave provided the Gunners match their valuation for the 24-year-old.
Via Twitter, Sheth wrote, “Internal talks continue at Arsenal over Declan Rice. Formal bid expected at end of season. West Ham won’t stand in his way PROVIDED asking price met. Arsenal also keeping eye on Moises Caicedo. Arsenal looking at others including (as per @David_Ornstein) Mount & Gundogan.”
No need to budge
Rice is arguably the most in-demand midfielder in Europe right now and the interest in him seems to be more than Jude Bellingham too.
The Borussia Dortmund man is mainly wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester City and was linked with Liverpool.
Rice, on the other hand, has been linked with all the top Premier League clubs and has also been on the radar of clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
There’s no reason for West Ham to lower their valuation for Rice and Arsenal will certainly need to pay up whatever they need to.
It’s understood that the club are also open to sparking a bidding war for the English midfielder and Newcastle and Manchester United could be tempted to partake as well.
Arsenal seem like the most likely decision but these things can change at any time and West Ham are in a comfortable position.