Arsenal to make formal offer for West Ham United ace Declan Rice ‘soon’ – The Athletic
Arsenal will make a formal offer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice soon, according to The Athletic.
The publication notes that the Gunners do not want to waste anyone’s time as they pursue the Hammers and England star.
The Athletic added that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to have his side strengthened by the first week of July as the players return to training.
“Arsenal plan to make West Ham United an offer for Declan Rice soon,” according to The Athletic. “There has been positive dialogue around the matter and a bid is expected to be lodged in due course.
“There is no desire at Arsenal to waste anybody’s time and so they plan to formalise their efforts once the situation is in good shape.
“Mikel Arteta’s players return from their summer break in the first week of July, ahead of a training camp in Germany. Arsenal would like to strengthen Arteta’s squad by then, but if not then ideally they will have done so before leaving on July 16 for a tour to the US.”
Gunners switch likely
Rice has long been linked with an exit from West Ham, with several clubs undoubtedly keeping tabs on his progress ever since his debut in claret and blue many years ago.
Still only 24 years old, Rice has been starring for club and country for some time now, with his latest superb achievement coming in the form of the Europa Conference League trophy with his beloved Hammers.
Arsenal will definitely have to fork out a huge fee to bring Rice to North London, with that fee potentially hitting the £100million mark.
It would be a massive figure, but one the Gunners will believe will be well worth it as they try and fend off interest from other Premier League giants.
There is no doubt that West Ham will miss their midfield maestro, and that he can go on to further his progress at a top club like Arsenal, who are almost back to their very best.